“Indeed God speaks . . .” Job 33:14
God has something to say to us every day. He will speak to us through scriptures, prayer, people, and circumstances. But God is not a consultant.
Here is a quote from Kyle Idleman’s book Not A Fan by Larry Osborne
“Now, a consultant is someone whose wisdom we highly value and listen to, but at the end of the day, we make the final decision. That’s why they’re called consultants. Here’s the problem: God doesn’t do consulting. Never has. Never will. He does God. When we treat him as consultant, he simply stops showing up for the meetings.
“God has invited you to go deeper in your relationship with him. The depth of that relationship ultimately rests with you.” (Henry and Richard Blackaby, Hearing God’s Voice, page 246)
The test comes when God calls us out of our comfort zone. The Bible has many stories where people in their comfort zones are being tested.
Jonah in the Old Testament has a strong and profound life story to apply to our own lives. Jonah is a Jewish prophet living comfortably in Israel and God calls him to go to their enemies in Nineveh and preach against it. (This would be like God calling a Jew in the 1940’s to go to Nazi Germany and preach in the town square against Hitler.) Instead of listening and following God’s command, Jonah runs away in fear. Basically, Jonah is saying, “NOPE. I’m going the other way.”
Have you ever said that to God? I can certainly relate to the fear and anger Jonah was struggling with.
Jonah forgot one very important detail. No one can run away from God. No one. No matter what religion or atheistic belief one has, there is nowhere anyone can run to get away from God.
Jonah gets on a boat to runaway from God and encounters a terrible storm. He is thrown overboard by the boat crew and God chases after Jonah. God sends a great fish to swallow Jonah.
(Just for the skeptics reading this: if we can send men to the moon and enjoy incredible high advanced technology on this earth, how easy is it for God to create a fish for the sole purpose to swallow and not eat a man for three days and three nights.)
Years ago when God called me to start a Mentoring Ministry including this blog, speaking and writing I was very excited and scared of failure at the same time. Month after month I had interruptions and complications that placed the ministry on hold.
Then God invited me to once again step out of my comfort zone and be stretched. The truth is, when God calls He also chases and provides help. He never leaves you alone. Never. Here is the good news; God still answers prayers. Because the Word of God has been planted deep within my heart I’ve learned that when God answers prayer it also includes accountability and responsibility.
In September 2014 God arranged for me to sign a contract with an incredible co-author, Laura Captari, to write a book on Authentic Mentoring and line up speaking engagements.
God knew I wasn’t comfortable asking people to invite me to speak at their community Bible Studies, Churches and Conferences/Retreats, but He continued to pursue me. All my excuses were weak and selfish. I was reminded God is not looking for those who are able. He is looking for those who are available. God continued to chase after me to be obedient and I’m forever grateful.
So . . .
Would you consider asking your church or other connections to invite me to speak about the blessing of authentic mentoring from generation to generation? I’m passionate about sharing the Word of God and His message through stories, drama, music, and visuals! Contact me at the website www.JaymeLeeHull.com
I will send you a Ministry Speaking Packet and set up a Speaking date for your event. You’ll also want to sign up for the Monthly Newsletter that begins in February. Thank you for sharing and liking this blog post on your facebook and twitter. I look forward to meeting you and your church family Face to Face!
What daunting task has God called you to be a part of? Remember, He calls us to do things that line up with Scripture and for His glory. Is God calling you to forgive, but you don’t want to forgive. Is God asking you to serve and help someone but you don’t want to serve those people? Is God calling you to go to Nineveh? Today is a new day with new mercies. No regrets only grace from Jesus. Restart. Reinvent. Refresh. Restore.
Lamentations 3:22-24 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Remember, God doesn’t want to be our consultant. He wants to be Lord and Savior of our lives. Our God speaks.
