I have enjoyed reading Tony Stoltzfus’ books on life coaching. My peer coach, Michael Van Dyk and I have been in Tony’s home recently for seminars he led on The Calling Journey and on A Leader’s Life Purpose. Both were excellent seminars and I highly recommend the books by the same names.
Isaiah quotes God in Isaiah 42:6-
I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness…
It should be obvious to us that all of us have been called by God to something. We have all been called to some general things, such as disciple making, righteousness, salvation, etc., but there is a specific message He is crafting in each one of us. Most of us focus on what we believe that He wants us to do and not on what He wants us to become. One of the interesting concepts that Tony presents is that we all have a “being” call and a “doing” call from God. Our doing call involves what role God wants us to fill within the kingdom so we can share our “being” call. We can “do” serving, teaching, administrating, shepherding, pastoring, worship leading, counseling, or a host of other roles that need filling in the church.
These roles are important but I do not believe that they are as important as what God wants us to become. Our “being” call has much to do with the life message that God is forming in us. God takes the refining experiences in our lives to prepare a message in each one of us. He will use our failures, our trials, our mistakes, our triumphs and much more to create a life message in us to share with the world around us. God uses all of our experiences. He does not waste our failures or mistakes, but He redeems them for His purposes.
I believe that my “being” call is “to live and demonstrate intimacy with God”. This message has been refined in the midst of my failures and mistakes and He has highlighted this message in fruitful ministry times. I also believe that God wants me to live this life message out in whatever role (“doing” call) that He provides. My “doing” call allows me to teach, be a life coach, and to write. In all three of these doings, God provided the opportunity to live out my life message.
I am amazed at how God prepares us to be used by Him and then brings us into certain roles where our life message can be proclaimed. Are you unsure of what your “being” call is? Now is the time to discover it. If you need help in the discovery process, ask someone for assistance. God has indeed stamped a life message on your heart. Proclaim it!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Dean, I have believed for a long time that, until I become what He wants me to BE, I cannot possibly DO whatever God wants me to do.
Amen!!
Dean, I agree – God seems to keep working on who I am. Just when I think I’m doing well another trial comes along and I suddenly realise I am still utterly dependant on his forgiveness and grace. In your thoughts about “being”, please don’t stop ‘doing’. God still uses us – imperfect as we are. I was hoping to catch the next blog.. keep writing, it’s great
Great thoughts about how we are always doing what we believe God gifted us in, but being that person that emulates Christ in all things doesn’t always come easy at least to me.