At
the beginning of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins enjoys a comfortable and predictable
life in his home in the Shire. But when the mysterious Gandalf drops in for a
surprise visit, Bilbo's life will never be the same. After a brief and pleasant
conversation, Gandalf turns to Bilbo and says, "I am looking for someone
to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find
anyone."
Bilbo, who is still unaware of Gandalf's true identity, says, "I should think so—in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can't think what anybody sees in them."
Bilbo starts looking through his mail, hoping that the old man will leave. But Gandalf continues leaning on his staff, gazing at Bilbo until Bilbo angrily exclaims, "Sorry, I don't want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning!" And with that Bilbo ends the conversation by slamming his door.
And many of us are a lot like Bilbo. We are comfortable with life as it is and don’t want to answer God’s call to an adventure. It’s amazing that some of the great leaders in the Bible were a lot like Bilbo, too.
Moses was called by God to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He argued back and forth with God and finally said,
"O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Exodus 4:13
Gideon was called by God to save Israel out of Midian's hand.
"But Lord," Gideon asked, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:15
Is God calling you?
Both Moses and Gideon finally obeyed and began their unexpected journeys. If they had refused, we probably wouldn't even know their names today.
Each of us must first answer God's call of salvation.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
If you've answered that call and are walking with the Lord, He has a purpose for your life. Maybe you know that purpose and are doing what God has called you to do. Often though, we get comfortable and aren't wanting any unexpected journey. We think what we're doing is wonderful.
I remember my granddaughter, Summer, come running to me saying, "Papa, you have to come and see what we're doing. You won't believe your eyes!
You may be satisfied with how you're serving God, but He may not be. A quick read through Revelation chapters 2-3 shows that there were a number of churches that thought they were doing well, but God had a different opinion!
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
His purpose includes a gift of the Holy Spirit.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)
If you know your gift, please pray for God to show you how and where to use it. If you're not sure what your gift is, please talk with your pastor. He may have a test or counsel for you.
There are also tests you can take online. I'll put a couple choices below. These tests are not inspired, but they can start your thinking. You may need to try out different areas to see if God blesses your work.
And it's important to have your church leaders bless your choice since we sometimes make mistakes. For example, some people think they have the singing, but no one wants to listen. Or they think they have the gift of teaching but they're putting people to sleep. God designed the church to help one another in these matters.
Our family had an unexpected journey of 12 years to Japan which was a wonderful adventure.
God has an adventure for each of his children.
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