My Grandma Marge Lindgren gave me "God Calling" as a teen. It was the best little devotional book. Each entry was short, but deeply thought out. It was like having an encouraging conversation with God. I have always wondered if it was the inspiration for Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling."
It was originally written in the 1930s in England by two anonymous women known only as The Two Listeners. "God Calling" is still viewed as one of the best-selling devotionals ever written. It taught me how to be in conversation daily with a God who loves us and seeks us out.
Sadly, He might have a hard time getting our attention. The testimonies of people who hear the call openly admit it was in seasons of hard time. It is easy to be too busy to hear the call. It is equally easy to ignore it. Simply not answer. Pain has a ringtone that is hard to ignore.
Equally inspiring are those who are running after God, and still find hard times, suffering, disappointments, and devastation. They have their hard moments, but continue to seek the heart of Christ. Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Elliot, Job, and so many more. Imagine their most intimate conversations with God.
There is something special about those who experience seasons of suffering and come out on the other side with their arms raised in praise. So many who have faced cancer and come out in a deeper relationship with Jesus in their healing or in their unusual peace when faced with the knowledge that their healing will be in Heaven... completely renewed and restored.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28
Listen for Him. Answer the call in hard times and celebrations, too. I always love the road sign that said,
"Loved the wedding. Invite me to the marriage." -God
It felt like a text message from Heaven every time I saw it. It reminded me to keep my focus on Him in all things. Especially, the daily and the ordinary moments where the extraordinary is seeded and takes root.
Today, I am grateful for those who answer the call.
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