Answering Your Call… No Matter What

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During World War II, Winston Churchill gave inspiring speeches to encourage a frightened nation. One memorable moment came when he said, ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going!’

David gave us these comforting words…
Psalm 23:4 ESV
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…

1. You are Called!

We all face limitations. What are YOURS?
Age
Health
Finance
Anything at all can limit us
Remember Jeremiah? He was a young man when he recieved the call of God. This is how that went:
Jeremiah 1:4–7 ESV
4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.

God knew Jeremiah would face difficulties especially as a young man.
How many times do we discount someone’s ability or calling with a “Surely, God isn’t speaking through them!”
Jeremiah was anticipating this telling God, “I didn’t go to Seminary yet! I’m too young!
Yet God called him a “prophet to the nations.”
God declared Jeremiah “ ”
David was chased all over the country by Saul knowing that God had anointed him as King. So this was his declaration:
Psalm 71:1 ESV
1 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge…
What has God Himself called you to do? We have a place to take refuge!
How did David respond in Psalm 71:1?

2. Divine Mandate, Divine Protection

We have been called. Every one of us.
When God calls us, He equips us and gives us everything that we need to succeed!
Look at Jeremiah. God says this to him:
Jeremiah 1:8–10 ESV
8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
We need to have an intimate understanding of these two fundamental truths:
When God calls us, there is no need for fear.
2. When God calls us, he gives everything we need!
What are the two fundamental truths?
God tells us over and over throughout Scripture, “Do not fear!” “Have no fear!” “Fear not!” and yet we fear.
Why? We have God’s promise ~ David understood it.
Psalm 71:5 ESV
5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

2. Divine Mandate, Divine Protection

What is that saying? There is nothing to fear, but fear itself?
Paul debunks that by saying:
Romans 8:31 ESV
31 …If God is for us, who can be against us?
What does Romans 8:31 tell us?

3.Once called, always called!

When God calls us, there is no expiration date. You are called!
God told Jeremiah 1:5
Jeremiah 1:5 ESV
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Before even conception, Jeremiah was called as a prophet to the nations!
David recognized that God had also called him before his birth.
Psalm 71:6 ESV
6 Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.
According to Jeremiah 1:5 and Psalm 71:6 When were we called?

3.Once called, always called!

What about the rest of us? I haven’t always known God’s call, maybe I don’t even recognize it now!
How about this admonition?
2 Peter 1:10 ESV
10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
We must be diligent in confirming our calling. Peter is talking to US! I really like the promise at the end of that!
What does Peter tell us to do?
What is the promise we are given in 2 Peter 1:10?
…YOU WILL NEVER FAIL!

4. Facing Rejection, Living Love

Understand, we will face rejection. Often from those people we know and love most. Jesus faced it.
Luke 4:28 ESV
28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath.
Jesus recognized this as more than anyone.
Luke 4:24 ESV
24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.

4. Facing Rejection, Living Love

If Jesus faced it, so will you.
I know I have. I have seen this happen everywhere I have pastored. Varying degrees everywhere, but it is there. Look what happened to Jesus:
Luke 4:28–29 ESV
28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff.

Facing Rejection, Living Love

So, what do you do when you face rejection?
Remember you are called.
Remember God’s promises.
Have no fear.
4. Follow Jesus’ lead, keep on Going!
So, what do you do when you face rejection?
4.
Luke 4:30 ESV
30 But passing through their midst, he went away.
Jesus never stopped doing what God had called Him to do, even unto the Cross.
What is God calling me to do?
What am I using as an excuse to not do it?
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