God's Calling? PICK UP THE PHONE.

          Many of us are quite familiar with the "decline" button on our phones. If someone's calling that you don't want to talk to, you just decline it. No big deal. This mentality, however, should never come to mind when God's the one calling your name. Sometimes God comes along and asks us to do things that we simply don't want to do. Things that make us uncomfortable.
          Recently, I ignored one of God's calls and have felt the regret ever since. I'm not the best with public speaking, so when God nudges me to speak up I usually pretend to not hear Him. This week at breakfast club, God was urging me to speak up, to share my thoughts, get out of my comfort zone. I denied that one simple request that God asked of me, and now I feel the regret. It's like going to an amusement park, getting psyched up for the rides, and then chickening out at the last second. Last week I told myself, and God, that I would speak up this time in breakfast club, but I found myself chickening out once again. I am determined to fulfill God's call, knowing that He has the ultimate and best plans for me. Sometimes you need a strong Christian friend to hold you accountable in situations like these; so I told my oh so sweet friends of mine that if I don't respond to God's call next time, they have full permission to punch me in the face (not really). But I do strongly believe that friends that hold you accountable in your faith are extremely important.
          Another example I have experienced of God's strong call to follow His instructions comes from my dad. Lately he's been contemplating whether or not he would be going back to Zambia, Africa this summer on a mission trip. Last year we went together with my church and had a life-changing experience. This year would be my dad's third year, and it's quite a costly trip. My dad was thinking about waiting a year to go back, because of the expense and time off of work that he would have to deal with. But he made his decision this week to be a part of the team that goes in July. He told me "God wouldn't quick stabbing His thumb in my back about it." I think it's so awesome to be able to see how clearly God spoke to my dad. Even though traveling to Africa is a difficult expense to cover, we can trust that God will provide the way.
          These are just a few examples of ways in which God calls us to do simple tasks each and everyday. We should remember that our lives here on earth will be harder, yet much more worth while, if we follow all of God's instructions. I challenge you this week to really listen to what God is commanding you to do, and follow through, as I should have. One decision could make all of the difference, and trust me, if you listen to God and obey, it will be worth any discomfort, because you will know that you are walking on the path that Jesus has made for us. Feel free to comment, adding any stories about how God has called you to do something for Him, and how you responded(:
-COURTNEY<3