“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14-15).
As believers in Christ, we are each called to fulfill our purposes on the earth, but many times we become “weary in well doing.” The familiar can become mundane, and “burnout” can happen to even the most committed people in any given field or situation. But it’s often in these ordinary situations that we find we are called to something more. I’m reminded of times in Scripture when those called out for a great purpose were going about their lives, doing the work they’d been assigned.
David, for instance, was a shepherd tending his sheep, and was just a teenager, when Samuel anointed him king of Israel. He was the least likely to be chosen from among his older brothers.
Elisha, when anointed a prophet by Elijah, was in the fields plowing with his oxen (1 Kings 18). He then burned the plow and the oxen before joining Elijah – a sacrifice, and a sign that he was embarking on something new, leaving the old behind.
In both these cases, the men were faithfully carrying out their tasks, serving their families and focusing on knowing God and his will for their lives, when the greater assignment came. They did not look back.
Perhaps you are familiar with the well-known story of Cortez, the Spanish conquistador who landed on the shores of Mexico with many ships full of disgruntled and complaining crews who longed to return to their homeland. Cortez, wanting to plant his stake in the ground, and make known his commitment to stay and settle in the new land, gave the now famous command, “Burn the ships!” He wanted to leave no doubt and no other option but to stay, to move forward, and to succeed in the new endeavor.
Burn the ships – we are not going back. This is the same kind of devotion Jesus wants from us. When he calls us to follow, he will countenance no excuses. In Luke 9, when those who wanted to follow him asked to take care of practical matters at home first, Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (v.62). When he calls, our response should be immediate obedience.
What might he be calling you to do? Listen for his voice, and be ready to follow.
Plow ahead.
Written By: Michelle Dowdy
Life By The Way 