Several weeks ago I struck up a conversation with a lady from California, and it came about that I told her how I feel called to politics/law. I also told her how I really want to live on one of the coasts. She smiled and said, meaning well, "Oh, honey, if you're gonna move anywhere to do politics, make sure it's conservative, because a kid like you just couldn't make it in a place as liberal as the coasts are." I explained to her how I felt like that was an unChristian response, because we are called to make right what is messed up, not avoid it. She said that these places were hopelessly impossible. I told her how Washington wasn't supposed to cross the Delaware, Wilberforce wasn't supposed to end slavery, and Alfred the Great wasn't supposed to save England. Finally she admitted I might have a small chance, and dared me to go someplace liberal. So, my post's question is answered. I've got to go. But I'm not going just to prove I can do the impossible, I'm going because I am called. When I recently realized I had a calling to go to one of these tricky places, I stopped dead in my tracks. ME!?! WHAT? Why me? And, through some good sermons, wonderful encouragement of friends, and especially an amazing conference that got me to do some Scriptural searching...I ended up with this "letter from God." It's just basically a collage of Scripture passages, with explanations and bridges in between. If you feel called to anything, whether that's seeing a national revival and a conservative swing, or going to the middle of South America to preach the Gospel, this letter is for you, too. I hope it will bless you deeply!
To My Child, Whom I Love Beyond Words.
From Your Father in Heaven.
I want to speak with you. Don't worry! You haven't done anything wrong -- in fact, you are my chosen one! You are part of a royal priesthood, and you are holy in my sight. But that's just why we need to talk. You see, I've got some great news. First, though, let's clarify our roles in this conversation, okay?
My son and I agreed it'd would be good to remind you that he is my image, and he is the firstborn over all Creation. I, by the way, created everything -- including you. I created everything that is visible and invisible, even kings and those in power! I have absolute control over everything, and the only reason your life, or anything that ever was, exists...is because of me. As for my son, whom you call Jesus, he is not only the firstborn of creation, but also the firstborn among the dead. That means he died and rose for you! But hold that thought for a minute. He is the ultimate head of the church, and he is preeminent over everything. I was pleased to give him every ounce of myself, so that I could use him to save you, and to fix our broken relationship. That's where you come in.
Until my son gave his life for you, you were an alien to me. Your mind, your body, everything about you was foreign to me. Even I, who was your creator, for I could not bear to look at you in your sinfulness! But my child, you turned to me! And yet it was not you who did this work, it was I through my son Jesus Christ. For no one can come to me whom I have not called. You, though, who I once had hated with all my heart, I now can love with every drop of blood that was shed on your behalf. I called you out of the pit of darkness, into my marvelous light. You are the apple of my eye and I keep you carefully guarded in the shadow of my wings. That is why you are chosen, royal, and holy; that is why I can call you mine; and that is why we needed to talk.
My child, stand on your feet and pay attention. If you will allow my Spirit to enter you, fill you, and speak with you, then you will surely hear my voice. I am sending you to America (or perhaps to another nation), for its people are rebellious. For generations they have not known me. They are stubborn, but you must tell them about me. Cry out to them, "Make straight the way of the Lord!" And whether they listen to you or not, they will know that I am with you. Those who do not follow me will be terrified by you, simply because of my presence in you. But as for you, have no fear of them, because they are rebels.
I see you right now, and you are acknowledging that this is a great and lofty calling, but you claim to be too young. You say you cannot represent me as you should. Don't say that! Whoever I want to listen to you will listen, and whatever I tell you to say, you shall say. I am commanding you right now to be strong and courageous, to meditate upon my word and never veer from it, and to proclaim it. Then you will be successful, because I will be with you wherever you go! When people see how young you are, they will realize that I am with you, because no young person on their own account could accomplish what I am asking you to accomplish. The people will be astonished. My child, the reason you will never fear is because I am with you. I am putting you over nations, over authorities, and you will have the power to build up and tear down whomever I will.
I am making you a witness and leader for the peoples. They will run to you, because I will glorify you. But when you are glorified, do not allow others to think you have done it on your own. Instead, keep running forward for the prize I have reserved for you in heaven, holding true to what you already have in me. By this, you shall be my mouth and my words will be on your lips. I will speak what I wish, and what I speak will not come back empty. It will accomplish whatever I set out for it to accomplish.
I'm not going to make this all easy for you, though. There is work involved! See to it that your manner of life is worthy of the Gospel, because this is your source of courage and it is the testimony that will astonish the people. But you see, although you may do work for my name's sake, you must also suffer, and indeed you must forsake whatever you had as loss. This is my will, for no soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. So you must work for the prize awaiting you in heaven, and you will awake the dawn!
Devote yourself to prayer and to the ministry of the word, and in this way my words will continue to prevail mightily. By you, many will come to see me for who I am, and they will increase who have faith. Consider the poor, and when you are in trouble I will protect you. And, oh, my child, will you ever see trouble. The enemy will seek to kill and destroy, but you must pray to me and seek my strength in your weakness. Call out your just cause, and I will attend your cry! I will vindicate you, I will defend your cause, I will deliver you from evil. I will fulfill my purpose for you when you cry out to me. What I am doing now you may not understand, but afterward yo will. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. I will strengthen you with all power, endurance, patience and joy. Then you shall do all things through me, for I strengthen you. I equip you with strength for the battle, and those who rise against you will sink under you. I will rescue you from your enemy, for though they are too mighty for you alone, nothing is impossible with God. You see, the world cannot truly hate you. I am the one it hates, for I condemn it. I have taken this burden from you, which is why you can be free.
Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Behold my face in righteousness; be satisfied with my likeness. Exalt my strength, and sing my power. Let my light and truth lead you, and bring you to my holy hill, to my dwelling. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Eager to use you,
God.
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