Do you hear a calling? Do you have a feeling like you are being pulled toward something? Are you looking for a reward? Are you seeking the source of the calling? Do you know who is calling you?
We are all being called, even if we are ignoring the call. We may not realize the source of the call. The world does all it can to drown out both the source and the call. Yet the call continues and will continue until the end of time.
Satan uses every opportunity available to distract us so we cannot hear the call. And even if we do hear the call, he throws out a shiny distraction to pull us away from answering it. He uses big things such as jobs, vehicles, houses, worries, and concerns. He also uses small everyday things to distract us for a few minutes at a time. It is a moment-by-moment battle.
Some may look at the last few words of today’s passage and think God is selecting who He calls. That is not the implication at all. God’s desire is that everyone be saved (John 3:17). The implication is God calls and those who answer will receive His gift.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is not a simple gift. He is not even like getting a very special gift we desire for Christmas. All of the gifts we receive in this world will disappear. The Holy Spirit will be with us throughout our lives, guiding us through the ups and downs. He will teach us the ways of God. He will help us understand God’s Word. He is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Yet we have one more choice. The choice to listen to and adhere to His guidance or not. It doesn’t do us much good to receive a gift we won’t use. Nor do we experience the abundant life Jesus promised if we don’t listen to the Holy Spirit.
I pray we all choose to receive the gift God is offering. I pray we choose to listen to Him. I pray each one of us will choose the abundant life promised and tell others about it. Hear the call. Know God is calling you. Accept His gift. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Live the abundant life.
Acts 2:38-39 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Marty Pressey 