What holds us back?

[lizzie]

What do you guys think is the main reason that people dont answer their callings?

Please share any thoughts you may have on this with us, as it may help those who feel in their hearts that they are called by God, but yet for some reason feel they are unable to answer that call.

[mlg]

Oh, lizzie for me it would be fear of the unknown at times. When God calls me to do something new, I get kinda anxious and nervous. Afraid I'm gonna mess up or something.

Another thing that I think holds a lot of people back is the feeling of unworthiness. That they have such a bad past that how could they be a benefit to someone else, forgetting that their past is forgiven, and there may be another in some of the situations in which they have already been, who needs to know there is a Light beyond the clouds.

Good question sis, thanks for asking.

[---]

Gosh, I love this place! I love just even thinking about these questions and others' answers.

For me, definitely the unworthiness thing. It's so discouraging, I feel God in my life in such real and uplifting ways. I also see very real examples of Him using me to touch others in my daily life. But the stronger my dedication and commitment to Him grows, the more vicious and tenacious the attacks seem to be. Choices from the past that just won't let go, despite very specific prayer. (But I'm not giving up!! Jesus has ALREADY won the victory for me, and I'll get there with His support, His strength, and HIS truth.)

I think the fear of change is a factor, too, but frankly the unworthiness kicks in and -- so far -- has thwarted consideration of real choices in that regard so far. But I do believe that time is coming . . . so don't go anywhere!!

God bless you guys!

[Lionhearted]

wow!!!

as i was reading this thread i was amazed at how many times fear came up!!

i totally agree that its fear.

THIS IS SOOO COOL, i was just reading about this in my class this morning in Deut. 1, i learned some amazing things:


vs 21 - Behold, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord, the God of your fathres, has said to you. Fear NOT, neither be dismayed.

..... the Lord has asked you to do a "thing"

vs 30 - The Lord your God Who goes before you, He will fight for you just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes.

..... I will be with you thru this "thing" just like i was before, remember when "we did this other thing"

vs 32 - Yet in spite of this word you did not believe (trust, rely on, and remain steadfast to) the Lord your God.

..... when we choose not to walk in the way God has for us, even because of fear, it would seem that, thats unacceptable to Him

vs 34-36 ....and the Lord was angered ... not one of this evil generation shall see the good of the land ... EXCEPT Joshua ... because he has "WHOLLY" followed the Lord.


three years ago i went thru a period (i think i've shared here) when God told me i was afraid and what it actually means to be "afraid"

if God wouldn't let them possess the land He had designated for them; and not only that, He actually refers to them as EVIL because of their lack of faith and willingness to rise to the challenge of what He called them to do .....

LORD, let me always run to where you are leading me, and be willing to take possession of whatever You have for me.

Also, i heard (from Joshua's youth pastor, so i'm assuming its a reputible source) that there are 365 "fear nots" in the Bible; i think thats so kewl !

[Mackenaw]

Hello Lizzie and Everyone

What a great question. I didn't answer this question right away, because I wanted to think about it. I think fear would have been my first answer, but then as I thought more about it, I think it just might be that people don't know what their calling is. I mean what exactly is it an Apostle does, and how about a Prophet, and an Evangelist, or a Preacher, or a Teacher? (Ephesians 4:11)

And what about the Holy Spirit giftings listed in I Corinthians chapters 12 and 14? Is that a callling? Are they combined with the offices listed above? or are the giftings themselves considered a calling? In I Corinthians 12:28 says -- And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

And how about Romans chapter 12 -- it lists prophecy, ministry and exhortation -- but it also says in verse (6a) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us...

Then Paul says in I Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
This an intro to I Corinthians chapter 13 which is so very beautiful because it speaks of blessed love, and without this love / charity we are but a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, and we are nothing.

Is everyone called to be a teacher? How about if they took up teaching as a profession in the world because teaching seemed a reasonable way to earn a living and look at all those holidays and summers off, or their parents were teachers before them. Does that mean they are an automatic teacher in God's eyes?

I, personally, have attended some teachings at churches, and sometimes the person teaching reminded me more of the movie "Farris Bueler's Day Off" with the droaning of "Bueler, Bueler, Bueler" (or was it "Boring, Boring, Boring") resounding in my ears.

Some of us are not called to be evangelists, but yet that seems to be the gist of a lot of messages given by man. God wants us to share what He means to us -- be it in the words spoken, the laying on of hands, the times in prayer when we lift up others to Him, or in serving with a gentle smile and hand to hold in times of trouble, or in sharing a meal with someone we know is going through tough times. Sometimes a giggle response to someone's lame joke is all that is needed to serve them at that time.

Seeking Him first in all we do will lead us into our calling. He gives us the yearning -- the fire for the quest, then He unveils it.

Jesus is The Word / The Bible. We get to know Jesus by reading His Word and spending time with Him.

Everybody sing: Getting to know You, getting to know all about You. Getting to love You, getting to know You love me too.

Sorry, didn't mean to write a short story.

God bless you all.
Love,
Mack

[Lionhearted]

very insightful mackenaw ...

i know what you mean about the droning on&on&on ...beuhler, beuhler ...

" ... Seeking Him first in all we do will lead us into our calling. He gives us the yearning -- the fire for the quest, then He unveils it.

Jesus is The Word / The Bible. We get to know Jesus by reading His Word and spending time with Him...."

i totally agree with ya on this one ....especially the spending time with Him

Everybody sing: Getting to know You, getting to know all about You. Getting to love You, getting to know You love me too.

.....lionhearted joins in the song



(i'm not really blowing my hair; i just think she's really cute)

[bigcityfox99]

Man, I have been reading all of these things about being called and I am just amazed. I have been thinking in the back of my mind that I am being called by God to do something, but I have no idea what it is. I have a strong feeling that it might have something to do with being a missionary, I dont know why this is. I dont know my bible well, Ive only been commited to the Lord for a couple of months, and yet I feel so strongly that I am being called. Here are a few reasons why I keep putting off Gods call, and I hope these dont sound like excuses. (even tho they pretty much are excuses). Well I think that I am very afraid to go somewhere with ppl I dont know to tell more ppl I dont know about something I hardly know anything about...lol. Thats probably my number one reason...another reason is because I dont have the kind of money it takes to go halfway around the world to share the love of Jesus. Im not sure what im supposed to do, but one thing is for sure....I know that im being called, at first God was whispering to me softly, but now its more like a scream in my ear. Please, if anyone has any kind of connections or suggestions of what I might be able to do let me know...im scared, and im leery, and im hesitant, but I do think this post is a good start...and please pray for me to be consistant in this area, all too often I get all pumped up about something and then fizzle out. I genuinely want to do Gods will...I have a good heart and an able body...its just the commitment thing that gets me...im a procrastinater 95% of the time and I really want to change. I have a feeling that God is about to amaze me yet again, he has an awesome way of doing that. : )

[mlg]

Bigcity I want to invite you to the chat program Here I Am, Send Me on Wednesday nights at 9 CST or 10 EST. This program is for those just like you who aren't sure of their calling, or how to go about answering their calling. Come join us.

luv ya

[Jen Reiter]

hmm fear of rejection would be a big one for me, but even bigger for me personally would be people judging me by my past. And when I was saved but "backsliding" I wasn't a good example. I know that is Satan holding me back though. God has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself at times?