“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Two days ago was Call Day at the seminary from which I graduated, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Call Day is the day in which all the graduating students receive their first placement in ministry. It is a day that is filled with excitement and also a bit of anxiety. I still remember hearing my name called and the announcement of Bethany-Trinity Lutheran Church, Waynesboro, VA.
It was a bit of surprise. It was not the place I thought I would go. But it was exactly the place God wanted my wife and me to be. There were so many blessings to be had in that place while I was there. Since that time, my calling as a pastor has taken me from Virginia to Illinois, and now to New Jersey.
We never know where the life in Christ will take us. It might be to Waynesboro, some place around the corner, or some place around the world. I have been to Haiti many more times than I ever thought I would be. If we are living out our calling, it will be an adventure. You will go places. It may not necessarily be geographical, but you will be put in servant roles and places of leadership you had not imagined.
In 1 Peter 1:13, it says to be prepared for action. Be ready for God to take you in an unexpected direction. Don’t worry about where you will go. Just be ready when the calling comes. It says to be sober. This means to be alert and open to the promptings of God. There is no better way to do this than setting our minds on the Scriptures, the Word of God.
In all things, we fully trust in the grace of God. This is where the Scriptures will point us. Whatever God might call us to will require his strength and wisdom. We will need the hope of his grace. The work of God will never be easy. But he will always give us what we need to carry it out.
Reflection
- To what unexpected places (geographical and non-geographical) has God called you?
- How do you prepare your mind for the adventure?
Prayer
Father God, we thank you for taking us in unexpected directions and to unexpected places. We ask for your guidance and direction. Help us to be open to your leadings and promptings. Help us to be faithful to follow and to experience the joy of the adventure. Amen.
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