When I signed up to become a chaplain in the British Royal Navy as a middle-aged man, the venture could have appeared to be a silly idea—something I should have never attempted. Surely I could have earned a living in a much safer and less strenuous environment. And yet, I felt compelled to pursue what I believe was God’s calling—choosing to rely on Him to strengthen me along the way.
I received constant reminders that the Lord was with me and guided each step in my process of becoming a chaplain. He continually grew my faith and helped me press on. What looked silly to some made perfect sense when I could so plainly see God’s hand of preparation upon me.
Though I’m no Caleb, I’ve always been impressed by the way God prepared and used that inspiring man of faith. Caleb and Joshua were the only scouts to tell Moses they could conquer the land (Numbers 14:6,10,30). Caleb ignored all the challenges that others saw and spoke out even as almost everyone else complained and gave a negative account (Numbers 13:30-33). His faith led him to say, “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into [the] land” (Numbers 14:8).
After the fearful Israelites threatened to stone him, Caleb stood firm in the strength that God had given him. And later in life, even as an old man he was ready to face any battle or challenge with God’s strength (Joshua 14:6-15). He continued to passionately and “wholeheartedly [follow] the Lord” (Joshua 14:14).
Caleb never let the negative opinions of others get in the way. He kept trusting in God—not focusing on his age or other factors. May you and I rely on God’s perspective when He calls us to do something new for Him!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 11:37-57
More:
Read Romans 12:1-2 and think about what it means to be “a living and holy sacrifice” for God.
Next:
What has God called you to do that might appear to be too challenging? How can you gain His perspective to press on by faith?
Gary Shultz on August 19, 2016 at 6:01 am
Russell, I’m glad you did, for you and for the others your life had to touch. I don’t know what exactly was your assignment and interaction with the others you met, but God designed that life path for something, I’m sure you could tell me. As you write about that experience now, it had to have had a profound impact. Can we say obeying God is a primary part of that “living sacrifice” thing, can we also say, God knows what He is doing even if we can’t see the picture clearly? So faith and trust must be the response when God asks us to join Him. God probably has more He will be saying to us. I know you have a few grey hairs, but you’re still young and God has missions for both you and (a lot of grey hair) me. God is waiting for us to step up at any age, as you know, and for those that do He has something enriching just for you and those your life will touch. Thanks Russell, and you would probably enjoy it if I told you to “go jump in a lake”.
hsnpoor on August 19, 2016 at 11:18 am
LOLLLL!!! That woke me up! Jump in the lake, indeed!
jesusking32597 on August 19, 2016 at 6:12 am
I think God is calling to a life of singleness and ministry. For weeks, I have been discerning this call and have learned to accept it. Each day, I ask God for clarity and pray that His will be done.
youssef1777 on August 19, 2016 at 7:22 am
TRUSTING IN GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE POWER TO FACE ANY KIND HARD TIME . ALWAYS PRAY IN FAITH . THE LORD WILL DELIVER YOU TO REST PLACE FROM ALL WORRY . GOD BLESS ALL .
gagirllive on August 19, 2016 at 8:02 am
Russell, I love reading these Old Testament stories. There is so much to glean from them as I reflect on how parallel our lives and attitudes are with Israel. We still face similar challenges today, but at least we have the record of their testimony for our learning and encouragement. (Romans 15: 4) Stepping out to do something new can be scary. I chuckle every time as I read the account of their report. It seems our default is to want to go back to our old familiar ways (Egypt) even if they are dysfunctional rather than pressing through the challenges of reaching our Promised Land. From our perspective, doing something new can make us see obstacles as giants and ourselves as grasshoppers. But when we look at it from God’s perspective, things return to their proper size. What a blessing to have a Caleb and a Joshua in the mix—men of faith and valor who trusted that if God brought them to it, He would most certainly bring them through it. That’s the attitude God wants all of us to have. I’ve often heard this saying in church, “God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.” So true. That chaplain job had your name on it, Russell. God bless you as you serve Him in this calling. Thanks for today’s encouragement. Grace and peace to all my fellow sojourners this weekend!
jef on August 19, 2016 at 11:16 am
Treading the unfamiliar grounds is often scary, just like Gedion we want to be sure its not a mistake. We are to pray for the daily bread just like manna you can’t hoard or get wiser managerial skills with it lest it breed worms, but we’re exhorted to hold onto this promise that wherever He leads He guides.
hsnpoor on August 19, 2016 at 11:25 am
Amen, GG! As I read, I thought of William McDowell’s song “I Won’t Go Back” and now it’s stuck in my head. I could think of worse things that could be stuck there. Blessings to you and everyone who visits today!
wlim80 on August 19, 2016 at 9:38 am
Hi Russell,
It’s a beautiful story and wonderfully crafted literature. I would be curious to find out how did you know God had guided you each step in your process of becoming chaplain, as your story is very vague, although it is inspiring.
Lately, I’ve been going through some challenges in my workplace whereby it involving workplace bullying from management and co-worker. I’ve been praying each day and fasting, only seeing the situation getting worse. I have been a faithful worker. Due to unresolved escalating tension, stress and conflicts, I’ve been diagnosed with acute stress disorder and accidentally twisted my ankle . I was very depressed and has to flee from office and work from home to avoid being falsely accused and confronted with unfair evaluation. I have no choice , but to report the workplace abuse to HR and seek industrial court for protection . I did pray, but only seeing situation getting worse. Please tell me how did you know God is guiding you even in the midst of miry clay. Even if God does know tell or call, it is wise to act as a mediator and peacekeeper to deescalate tension, however when everything has been said and done, things do not seem to improve. People continue to be pushy and demanding . Please advise.
hsnpoor on August 19, 2016 at 11:38 am
wlim80, I’m going out on a limb here because I don’t know the whole story, but I can feel your distress in your words, and just felt lead to comment. First and foremost, please remember that whatever the situation, God knows and is in control. I think that as you are there and experiencing the turmoil getting out of what you see as “control”, you are trying to control the situation by praying your idea of what should solve the problem and expecting God to come to fix it accordingly. I think this because you used the word “peacekeeper” in describing your role in this drama. I just want to remind you that Jesus called us to be peacemakers, NOT peacekeepers, and there is a distinct difference. I want to encourage you to do a little research into those differences and, if you do, I trust you may get a different perspective on the situation and your role in it. I pray John 14:27 on and over you today. God Bless!