Moses objected in six ways to his call to serve: He was inadequate. He lacked knowledge. The people would reject him. He was ineloquent. Someone else could do it better. His early efforts failed. God answered every objection, and Moses fulfilled his calling. We can learn from Moses to overcome our own misgivings about callings.
“I Have a Work for Thee”
We all want to be valued, not in the abstract, but for the genuine contributions we can make. God therefore increases our sense of self-worth by giving us assignments to help Him with His work.
“I Will Provide for Your Families”
God promised to "provide for" the families of His twelve apostles as they continued to do His work in Missouri in 1838. He similarly "provided for" Alma and his missionary companions in Antionum. When we accept and fulfill callings, we may endure hardship, but God's compensatory blessings will outweigh the sacrifice.
Called and Assigned
A call to serve is more important than an assignment to a specific location. The Lord directs both, but the calling is constant, while the details of where, how, and whom to serve can change. We need to be fully committed to our callings but adaptable to changing assignments.
Standing Fast in My Appointed Offices
The Lord counseled Newel Knight, Sidney Gilbert, and Edward Partridge to “stand fast” in their assigned responsibilities. Alma taught the same principle: "Why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?" Whether parenting, working, or teaching, we find joy and growth when we "lift where we stand."
“I Myself Will Go With Them”
In the Allegory of the Olive Tree, the Lord of the vineyard labors alongside His servants. In 1830, the Lord promised four missionaries, “I myself will go with them” (D&C 32:3). As we fulfill assignments from God, we can have confidence He labors alongside us.
Thy Calling, Thy Duty
God's callings serve two purposes: giving us opportunities to serve others while simultaneously opening our hearts to receive the sanctifying power of Jesus Christ.
Abide in Your Calling
Paul urged the Corinthian saints to stay focused on their current callings and not to be distracted by opportunities that aren't currently theirs. It can be hard to maintain our focus, but we will find joy in doing what we have been called to do right now
Rise to the Call
Callings can be challenging. They can stretch us in unexpected ways. They can make us uncomfortable or anxious. They can also reveal latent talents, spark new relationships, and expand our perspectives. Moses was hesitant to accept the call to free his people from bondage. "Who am I?" he asked the Lord (Exodus 3:11). Enoch protested... Continue Reading →
When I Called
The book of Isaiah ends on a happy note: a new heaven and a new earth, with joy and peace among those who have been faithful to God. But the text is also tinged with sorrow for those who have not been faithful. Twice, the Lord utters the following lament: "When I called, ye did not... Continue Reading →