~El Shaddai~ Why Shouldn't God Call You? And we know that all things work together for good to   them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.   Rom. 8:28 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There are many good reasons why God shouldn't have called you. But don't worry; you're in good company. Moses stuttered. David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Timothy had stomach problems. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos' only training was in fig-tree pruning. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Solomon was too rich; Jesus was too poor. Abraham was too old; David was too young. Peter was afraid of death; Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Naomi was a widow. Paus was a murderer. So was Moses. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Jeremiah was sepressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. John The Baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was a worrywart. Her sister Mary was lazy. Solomon had long hair. Noah got drunk. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, and many others. But God doesn't require a job interview.He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, and He doesn't hold a grudge. He is not deaf to our cry, nor blind to our need. As much as we try to earn them, God's gifts are free. Satan says to us, "You are not worthy!" Jesus says: "So what? I AM." Satan looks back and our mistakes. God looks back and sees...... the cross. He doesn't calculate what you did in the past. That's not even listed on the record. Sure, there are lots of reasons why God shouldn't have called any of us. But if we sincerely love Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, if we truly wish to do His will, God will use us, in spite of who we are, what we look like, where we've been, or what we've done. ~author unknown~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We are called, according to His purpose. (II Cor. 5:5) No matter what our weakness may be, God can use us, because His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Jesus said: My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness." ( II Cor. 12:9) God saved us by His grace, not because of what we have or haven't done. He has called us for His purpose, not for who or what we are. The Bible says: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. (II Tim. 1:9) I encourage you to follow the instruction given by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus. This is as meaningful to us today it was the day it was written: "I urge you to walk worthily of the calling which you have received." (Ephesians 4:1) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to sign my Guestbook while you're here. Thank you! View          Sign ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This background was created by Rocklin Heidi from the artwork of Greg Olsen, titled "He IS Risen", and is used by permission of the artist. My thanks to both of them! Please visit their sites by clicking on their names. Thank you! Return To HOME PAGE