Can God's Calling Become Distorted?

I’ve always been impressed with Jonah, the Old Testament prophet who refused to go to Nineveh to preach God’s message of salvation. Jonah refused God’s call because he felt ambivalent about what would happen to him if he failed or was successful.

By reading the book, it appeared that Jonah never accepted that God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness were unrestricted and open to all who believed and repented. Cautious optimism for God loving the people of Nineveh was challenging for Jonah.

Sometimes a reality check is necessary to determine if cautious optimism distorts your thoughts and feelings which then prevents you from being accountable for what you could be or do for God. As you think about the Lord Jesus Christ being Savior for all people, rid yourself of any distortions of clarity.

Then you will be joyful in your heart and soul by being able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord God.

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Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

~James 1:4 New International Version 

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What Is Required When Facing Uncertainty?

As political issues consistently change, feelings of uncertainty are assured. Two responses stand out when faced with uncertainty. Overreacting with fear and anxiety is prevalent, while pretending nothing has changed is typical for some people.

So what is a normal response to uncertainty? Cautious optimism, designed to tolerate anxious moments, refuses to nurture a negative outlook for the present or future. Reality conveys the fact that all is not well, but at the same time realizes the sky is not falling.

Wise council tells you to take one day at a time and listen to diverse opinions.

The objective is clarity of faith to trust God’s purpose when it’s unclear what tomorrow may bring. Being accountable includes holding on to the measure of faith God has given you which permits you to express thanksgiving for his presence when facing uncertain situations. May God bless you and cause his face to shine on you.   

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“So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” 

~Matthew 6:31-34 New International Version 

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What Are the Benefits of Being Accountable?

If your purpose is to let others know what you think and feel about any issue, it’s incredibly important to speak with clarity and conciseness. Everyone is subject to being misunderstood, which is often the cause for turmoil and conflict.

If being understood is your purpose, then speaking with clarity is a necessity. The majority of people desire peace and harmony rather than stress and conflict, yet a conversation can deviate into an argument over a simple misunderstanding. 

Perhaps you do not want to be accountable for prolonging a hurtful situation. Communicating with words of apology validates accountability.

Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you prepare to be accountable. Proverbs 8:35 gives this encouragement: “Whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” Accountability before the Lord and others makes way for a clear conscience.        

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Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. ~Hebrews 4:13 New International Version 

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Can You Escape From Uncertainty and Confusion?

In a few days we will remember an event the caused uncertainty to be widespread in our country. That day was September 11, 2001. The following Sunday, a record for church attendance occurred because uncertainty was so prevalent.

Reassurance and clarity in thinking were needed to be regained as uncertainty and confusion dominated. Did it ever occur to you that Jesus is present to help you manage feelings of uncertainty and confusion, regardless of how they originate?

Jesus will help you clarify God’s purpose for your life. God is not the author of confusion but rather provides wisdom and courage for facing the future. What’s required for clarity of purpose is a quiet time each day with God so your heart and mind will be receptive to the wisdom he will provide for you. Show your gratitude by offering thanks and praise back to God.                        

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[Come now], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 

~James 4:13-15 New International Version  

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How Well Are You Managing the Life God Has Given You?

While we may not be directly responsible for creating a crisis, we are accountable for how we conduct ourselves. Self-management depends on learning important skills like clarity of thoughts and feelings for navigating the troubled waters of life.

Everyone knows what it’s like to experience the absence of self-control. Thinking and speaking with clarity derives from an uncluttered mind, which is possible even when uncertainty abounds. Accountability depends on clarity of thoughts and feelings.

How well you manage varies with how comfortable you are with your surroundings. On several occasions when a situation became tense, Jesus would slip away to a quiet place to avoid those who were incompatible with his purpose.

Moments of quietness to regain clarity in thinking and feelings and to regulate your tone of voice help others see that you represent Christ in your actions and usage of language. May God bless and help you do this.                

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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

~Psalm 32:8 New International Version 

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How Well Are You Adjusting to What Life Demands?

What is the most difficult situation you’ve had to adjust to recently? While waiting for the elevator, a young man caught my attention. A prosthesis was attached to the upper portion of his leg and he used a cane for balance. I couldn’t help wondering if he was a veteran.

He was outgoing and seemed unashamed that his body and life had been dramatically altered. Adaptability is the key to making the most of a severely altered life. Adjusting to a new reality may mean rediscovering a new meaning and purpose for living.

God gives us the ability to adapt to what seems impossible. When we ask God for help with a positive attitude, he gives us an unflinching commitment to face the future with whatever he provides.

“The eye has not seen nor the ear heard what good things God has in store for those who love him.” Have you asked God to help you love him with all your heart, soul, and strength? Why not do so now?   

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…I have learned how to [live] happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation…for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ Jesus who gives me strength and power. 

~Philippians 4:11-13 The Living Bible 

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Are You Adapting to What's Beyond Your Control?

We have two basic responses to life’s uncertainties. One is feeling secure in what we know to be true and the other is adapting to the fact that life can be unpredictable. God did not intend for us to languish in doubt, but to trust in His power, protection, and provision.

Feelings of uncertainty test our capability to adjust to what cannot be controlled. Parents soon learn they cannot control every aspect of their child’s development especially during adolescence. How faithful a child remains to family values is unpredictable.

God conferred upon us the power to adjust as the family faces trouble. God made this possible by implanting in us an attitude of trust that He controls what we cannot control.

When we ask God for guidance, faith, and help, and then we resolve to be determined to receive what he provides, our trust and love for God grow stronger. God is love.

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At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it is the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. 

~Hebrews 12:11 The Message 

For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. 

~2 Timothy1:7 Good News Bible 

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