Anything worth doing is going to demand something from you. Whether time, money or energy, a worthwhile task will demand a sacrifice every time. When the sacrifice is small and the cost is minimal, the choice is easy. Answer the Call. Engage the task. Serve the King.
However, when the sacrifice is large and the cost is significant, we hesitate. We hesitate because of the number of hours it will take to complete. We hesitate because it will be the kind of dirty work we hate. We hesitate because when we’re really, truly honest with ourselves, there’s a part hidden deep within us that is just a little bit lazy.
On the shelf over my desk, I have three words mounted in picture frames… Promise. Process. Payoff.
I thank Steven Furtick for this concept that has forever changed the way I approach my Calling. Here is the meaning…
Everything begins with a PROMISE - God promises to love us, protect us, save us and never leave us. He promises that life is better (though not always calmer) with Him than without Him. He promises that if we submit our lives to Him, we will gain an eternal reward.
Everything ends with a PAYOFF - God rewards us with the biggest paycheck we could ever imagine… A home with Him.
But, in between the promise and the payoff is the PROCESS. And the process is the point.
From the moment you hear the promise until the moment you receive the payoff, you are living in the process. This is when God Calls you. This is when you have the opportunity to embrace the purpose for which God created you.
But, make this absolutely clear… God has created you for a purpose and He loves you enough to resource you with what you need for your purpose. But that doesn’t mean your CALLING will be any easier than anyone else’s. Your Calling will demand from you just like Peter’s and Paul’s and Stephen’s and Timothy’s.
As many amazing leaders as the Church has, there are countless more that will never lead because they are too lazy to engage the work and they are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifice.
As you listen for your Calling, remember… Anything worth doing is going to demand something from you.
Don’t miss your Call because it’s “too hard!”
