Called to be Available

Several weeks ago I read a post by Brad Waggoner over at Thom Rainer’s blog. Brad talks about leading when you are in a support role. He made the statement that we are “called to be available.” It may not be what we feel is our eventual calling but we must be available to Jesus call where we are now.

If you know me or have been around my blog very long you know that I am passionate about helping others find their God given calling. I am on this same journey myself. Around the age of 16 I heard God call me to be a pastor but my journey to live it out has not been the traditional college / seminary route. It has been a lot of living out life and walking in the unknown. I have to admit that too often I have sought after my calling and purpose a little too hard. At times seeking after my purpose became an idol.

It is easy to become so passionate about our dreams and vision for the future we miss out on the opportunity of today. We don’t want to chase our dreams for tomorrow so much that we miss out on the fullness of today. Time is fleeting so let’s snatch it and make everyday count for God’s glory

“Know the value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no delay, no procrastination…” – Earl of Chesterfield

The passion for our calling is important and it is important to follow God to live it out. However, today is also important. We may not be at the place to live out our purpose (or we think we are not there) but we can be available for today.

If I am always available, it is more likely for me to become the right person at the right place to share the love and truth of Jesus.

 To be available

• Willing to do whatever
• Willing to support another leader as they live out their calling
• Willing to go unrecognized

A word to future and young Pastors:

Being available may require you to be skilled in the use of a toilet plunger, toilet brush, paint brush and hammer. You may need to change a few hundred dirty diapers in the nursery or patrol the church building for dead bugs. Be available to listen to a co-worker at the job you don’t like or stop your sermon prep at Starbucks to pray for a stranger.

No matter our calling, Jesus will lead us. He is our great shepherd. If we listen and follow, we can rest assured that today, I am where he needs me. I just need to make sure I am available. Let’s follow his voice today.

“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” – John 10:2-4

 Not only do you have a calling for the future, you have a calling for today. Don’t miss it; be available!

How will you be available today?

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 Photo Credit: steve.grosbois via Compfight cc

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.