Mysty Pfeffer“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
Do you ever wonder what shapes God’s call upon your life? Do you feel the same self-doubt and trepidation answering a “potential” call like I do, or does it fade with each step of faith? A motley life course often matures with natural ability, love of God, and hope for a fulfilling career. Nonetheless, a clear-cut calling may remain elusive us until that breathless moment of trust says “yes” to a persistent tug on our hearts.
Trust built with momentous highs of professional advancement, marriage, and children alongside valleys of suffering, loss, disappointment and fear. The peace from gospel truth may even come at a young age, shaping hints of a purpose towards the eternal realm. Yet, growing in confident assurance the gospel provides progresses slowly.
As time moves on, settling occurs and the opportunity to contemplate the elusive purpose arrives. It is here that the word of God speaks to a soft spot of discontent in my own heart. Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purpose of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” Although, age should not be a factor, it is often present in the self-doubting fear of reaching deeper water.
Did Moses, at eighty years old, question leaving his settled life for a call to take the Israelites out of Egypt? He certainly did. Perhaps, he was content with being a shepherd. The details are not clear, however God’s plan for him shepherding people became very clear.
God saw the suffering of His people Israel. Exodus 7:3 says, “God heard them crying out because of their slave drivers and is concerned about their suffering.” So, now go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:10 NIV).
Although Moses protests, God insists. Exodus 3:12a says, “And God said, “I will be with you.”
In spite of fears and inadequacy; God is calling average people like Moses. He may also be calling you and I to use our professional experience and natural ability to relieve suffering for his people. In our own unique way, we can join the women we admire.
If God has placed on our hearts a concern for suffering people, He will continually woo us to join the battle of encouraging them. No matter what our age. He is equipping us with life experiences in the workplace. He’s placed people in our path to mentor and love. God’s word fills our hearts and strains daily to burst forth answering the call to help hurting people.
The burning bush of revealed purpose may occur in the trepid steps of obedience. A passage or bible study continually getting us through each day may inspire others. The heart of our plans consistently aligning with God’s word is a true sign, He is calling us. There is no room for self-doubt, fear, or indecision. A deeper purpose and satisfaction await when, “it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:20b).
