Theodore Bayley Hardy, a chaplain in the British Army, is one of the most highly decorated noncombatants of World War I. On his gravestone are etched some letters most people won’t understand: VC, DSO, MC. They reveal that Hardy—who died from battle wounds—received the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and Military Cross for his service.
Though some would say he never belonged in war—he was too old (54 when he enlisted) and was small of stature with no military experience. But he went to the trenches and shared the love of Jesus with soldiers, for he felt called by God to be there.
Philip was called to go to an unlikely place—a desert road. He had just been involved in a revival in and around Jerusalem, and there was a pressing need for him to minister in the city. To leave would be folly. Philip belonged with the disciples, continuing God’s work.
But when God called, Philip listened. God told him to “go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza” (Acts 8:26). There seemed to be no reason for it, and yet he obeyed the instructions given by the angel of the Lord. The result was the salvation and baptism of a prominent Ethiopian leader (Acts 8:36). What’s more, the new believer in Jesus then took his faith home with him and Africa received its first convert. Through Philip’s obedience, the good news had arrived in that great continent!
It doesn’t matter what our qualifications are, nor does it matter what the situation appears to be. What’s important is that we’re prepared to go wherever God calls. By His wisdom and power He can work wonders through us, be it in the dark trenches of life or even on a lonely desert road.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 23:32-49
More:
Read Acts 13:1-4 and notice how Barnabas and Saul responded after God called them to a specific work.
Next:
Where has God called you to serve Him in the past? Are you open to His call, wherever that may be? What might hold you back?
Gary Shultz on September 26, 2015 at 7:15 am
You have me pinned on all accounts. I’m not sure I have always done in the past what I should have. I try to be open to what the Lord wants now, but I’m not exactly sure what that is, and there are a whole lot of road blocks depending what and where the call may be. The comfort I have is God looks on the situation, and I understand He can make any avenue workable, but sometimes the harder part is not knowing if there is even direction or if the present mode is where one should be. I must surmise that God is capable to get the message across or allowing the present to continue. The other thing I have helping me is I seek God’s presence and I find contentment there, praising and thanking Him. Feel free to answer any of these. Thanks
russell fralick on September 26, 2015 at 5:25 pm
All very good questions Gary, and I admit to having had most or all of them at some point; a few keep recurring as well! I rest in the fact that all God wants is our availability. Even when we don’t know which direction to go, or when we seem to be either just treading water or unable to really know what God is saying. He simply wants each one of us, every day, to say, just like the prophet Isaiah, “Here am I; send me”. That I believe is our job done. Then we start moving, and the Lord directs our path, turns us the way He wants, and ushers us along His way. When the scripture talks about the sheep hearing the shepherd’s voice, I find it comforting to realise how stupid sheep are! Does the shepherd become impatient and abandon the sheep? Never! He keeps calling and makes sure they go in the right direction. It’s His job to make Himself heard; it’s not ours to have to understand! That gives me comfort and real hope, even when I feel rather lacking in wisdom and discernment! Just keep going.
umoh on September 26, 2015 at 1:29 pm
God’s Way Is Not Our Way And God’s Thoughts Is Not Our Thoughts.He Can Use Anybody Who’s Ready To Do HIS Will.
russell fralick on September 26, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Amen to that! He will use every willing heart!
Adriel L. on September 27, 2015 at 1:36 am
Thanks for sharing, Russell. An angel appeared to Philip, but how can I hear God’s call in this day and age?
russell fralick on September 29, 2015 at 4:30 am
Sorry for the late reply. I am reminded of the scripture where Jesus says, “the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice” and it occurs to me how rather dull sheep tend to be! It is therefore the job of the shepherd to make himself understood. He never gets annoyed with his sheep just because they don’t get it. He just keeps guiding them, making sure they go the right way. The same is true of God. He will make Himself understood; our job is merely to say, along with the prophet Isaiah, “Here am I send me!” That’s it; God does the rest. If you are available and make yourself available each day, inviting His correction whenever needed, I am convinced He will break through in whatever way necessary, so that you know what it is He wants of you. Sometimes we need to rest in this awareness, rather than strive with gritted teeth to “hear” Him; He will make Himself known to us as we decide we want to be available to Him, no strings attached. That last bit is the hard part of course! 🙂
Adriel L. on September 29, 2015 at 8:09 am
Thanks for that, Russell! That really helps. Have a wonderful day 🙂
Gary Shultz on September 27, 2015 at 5:55 am
Well done, well shared, and good advise. Thanks
Winn Collier on October 3, 2015 at 4:16 pm
Divine instructions often seem to make little sense, huh?
russell fralick on October 6, 2015 at 6:41 am
I agree absolutely Winn! I have found the secret is to accept as quickly as possible that God is right, and therefore if I disagree, I MUST be wrong! When life is easy I find this decision relatively straightforward; when life stinks, well…:-)