When I had the inspiration for yesterday’s devotional, I also had this word.
Is your “calling” more important to you than staying in love with and in tempo with the Caller? I think oftentimes when a person has the revelation or prophetic word that includes part of their calling, they can sometimes begin to glorify that word over the Lord.
Let’s be real, you will never be bigger than God. You will never know more and definitely your calling will not exceed Him. If you begin to feel that you are exempt from standards and relationship, then I caution you whole heartedly. I ask you to stop and take a step back for a moment. Like a visit to the chiropractor, let God realign your priorities and thought process.
Look at your life, have you begun to glorify the works you do? Do you feel your roles in ministry or work or family are so imperative that you’ve cut God out of the equation? When we feel indispensable, then we have begun to glorify ourselves and our own abilities above that of God.
Each one of us is replaceable, and that’s ok. That’s how we can create time to rest. If I am a leader and discover that nothing can run without my constant input and control, then I am failing. As a leader, I should always be raising up those around me. I should be delegating and creating an environment of honor, where other’s strengths can be called upon to fill in the puzzle and strengthen the whole body.
I know, this is not the style of leadership that many of us have experienced, but I know it’s possible. Leaders who demonstrate a need to micro-manage and control everything are insecure. No doubt about it, they are fearing being replaced.
God did not raise us up to live crippled by such a fear. He created us to steward and disciple.
As the thoughts for this devotional swirled in my mind and heart, God began to show me that as a parent, I really need to heed these words because if my desire is to raise capable and strong children who become steady and confident adults, then it begins today. It begins with giving them room to excel. Giving them room to make mistakes in the safe environment of our home. Oh, how I long to parent this way. God, help me to do so.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and I will meditate on Your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of Your awesome works, and I will proclaim Your great deeds. They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Psalm 145:3-7
365 Days in the Presence 