Our Heavenly Father desires nothing more for His children than for them to become fruitful citizens of His kingdom. Our contribution is ultimately for His glory; for His name’s sake. However, He loves us with a father’s love; a love that desires the best for His children.

When God calls us to more, it is important to consider how we are thinking about the call. Is it a burden to us, or a privilege? An obligation, or an opportunity? Are we dreading the journey, or looking forward to the adventure?

On April 18, 2009, my wife and I watched helplessly as firefighters did all they could to save the house we had lived in for most of our marriage – the home where we had raised our children. The fire, smoke and water destroyed practically everything. It could have been the beginnings of a burdensome tragedy.

As we stood watching this tragedy-in-progress, God whispered three things into our hearts,

“I am sovereign. Nothing happens outside of my will.”

“I am a good God, I love you, and I have a plan for you.”

“Reckon these things to be true.”

And so began God’s call to more. As we settled into our first temporary quarters (the Holiday Inn Express), we turned to our Heavenly Father. Beth began, “Father God, whatever you have for us in this, we receive it.”

Praise God for His encouragement, in the prayers of a godly wife!

This was the surrender our Father was looking for; and it opened the storehouse of Heaven. With one word (our “whatever”), we had entered into the purpose of Almighty God. Our tragedy immediately became an adventure.

The way we think about God’s call will have an immediate and lasting effect on the outcome. His call to more includes an invitation to the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

The world has taught us that the mind of man is capable of all things. God suggests that we be suspicious of our minds; that they are quite worldly. We must learn to set our minds on things above; including the way He thinks.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

This passage is a good place to start. Add it to your practice of the PAPA Prayer. Consider the questions listed above.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

P.S. God also encouraged my wife and I to purposefully grieve our loss. At the time, we did not understand the importance of this step; but, by His grace, we obeyed. It was a decisive act. I will explain why in our next installment.