Walking away from the call

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 
But the more they were called, 
the more they went away from me. 
They sacrificed to the Baals 
and they burned incense to images
I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him".
Hosea 11:1-3




     


If there's one thing you should know about Israel is their lack of contentment. They were never satisfied and always wanted to try new things that they knew was not good for them. They were easily influenced and made God very upset numerous amount of times. 

     There is a shift that happens when we feel that we no longer need God, our Father. There is a point in our lives where we feel that He did enough and we can handle the rest of our lives our selves. The things we see around us tend to shape our lifestyle and most of the things around us are not of God. All in all, let's just say that we are missing out on some amazing opportunities, lessons, and blessings if we think we can handle our own lives and stray away from the call. 
     I remember when I was 19 or 20, I was on a high for Jesus Christ. Nobody could shake me or tear me down. I was on fire! I was digging in my word as much as I can, taking notes on everything I read, writing in my journal daily, and making sure that I was living the lifestyle God had called me to live. As I was getting deeper and stronger in my faith, I started to feel like I was over doing it and that I should do something that's not of God to feel like I'm still in the world or part of society. Once I opened myself up to the world, I slowly lost myself. It's not that I forgot about God, I just chose not to stay in the relationship. I chose not to answer the call. You see, the devil has a way of fixing your eyes on certain things and telling you that it's not that bad and that it won't affect your walk with God. He will plant images and clips in your mind of what it would be like to do as you please, and still be in this genuine relationship with God, as if what you're doing is ok…but it's not. We need to fix our eyes and set our minds on Him (Hebrews 12:2)  (Colossians 3:2) and not on things of this earth. We need to stay committed and stick around as God brings us deeper in our walk. As the call to a higher level gets louder, let us not walk in the opposite direction. All He wants for us is the best, and all He gives and provides is the best. You know your personal relationship with your God, think about all He has done in your life. Think about where He took you from that you were a slave to. Think about how on time He was when He saved you and how He called you out of darkness into His marvelous light  (1 Peter 2:9).
     The scripture said, “But the more they were called, the more they went away from me”. We are ruining the great things God has in store for us. We'd rather walk away when He calls us instead of running towards Him when He calls us. Answering the call, despite what it may be, is not easy and that's when we need him the most. We can't do it on our own. The Israelites saw with their own eyes the works of God as He lead them out of Egypt; from turning the water into blood, to the many plagues, to the parting of the Red Sea and washing away their enemies. I don't know the plans that God has for you, and you may not know either. But, if you feel Him tugging on your heart and calling you, answer the call. Don't get scared of what it may entail and walk away. Former NFL running back, Baron Batch put it beautifully during his interview-testimony on Iamsecond.com: "I like to just equate it like this: if you're 1000 steps away from God, God will take 999 steps...just so you'll take that one." So I encourage you to take that step. He will be with you every step of the way, He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6)  and He loves you unconditionally. Answer the call, don't walk away. 

...For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.    
 –Deuteronomy 31:6

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