Summoned By Jesus

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Upon accepting the Lord 35 years ago, I felt a deep stirring to be alone with and hear from the Lord. I felt a need for a quiet place. A solemn place. I thought of a Christian retreat about 45 minutes from my home. I knew they had a small chapel. It seemed like the right place, so without checking further, I left to go spend time alone with God. As I approached the place, it dawned on me that perhaps the chapel might be active, after all, it was a Christian retreat. And I had not called in advance to check on availability, nor was I part of an approved group that may be there. However, the Lord made a way. Though the parking lot and grounds were full of cars and there was very significant activity at the retreat, the chapel was empty. (The Lord will make a way where there seems to be no way…)

I stayed in the chapel for hours. Searching scripture. Singing hymns. Crying out to the Lord. Confessing sins. Asking for His presence. At times on my knees and on my face. It was a special time I will never forget. Not because it was a mountain top experience, but because of the soft caring touches of the Lord.

At one point the Lord led me to read Ephesians 3. Not the whole chapter, but certain passages stood out to me. The following is a paraphrase… For the sake of the unsaved, the stewardship of God’s grace was given to me by the power of His spirit within me. I, the very least of all saints, have been made a minister to preach/teach/reveal the unfathomable riches of Christ and to bring to light the mystery which has been hidden for ages, in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to rulers and authorities. Through faith in Christ we have boldness and confident access, that we might have strength with power through His Spirit. As long as we are rooted and grounded in love we will be able to comprehend what is the length and depth and height of HIS love, which surpasses the knowledge of men. To Him be the glory to all generations forever and ever, amen.

These scriptures have stirred me for 35 years. I have not understood them. But they now resonate within me anew and afresh. They give me confidence and clarity about answering His “call”. And by His grace, Spirit, and power I will seek to give Him glory.

Please pray that it will be so…