Are We Available For God’s Calling Or Are We Playing Safe? …Hello Hump Day readers. I’m a bit late because of lightning which shut us down, and the rain is still coming! We need it but wow—mud everywhere! I decided to open a fun book from Patsy Clairmont, “God Uses Cracked Pots.” It was just what I needed and I am still laughing! Her books have uplifted so many people and her infusing of Scripture, laughter and not being shy when you do a “oops” tells you this woman loves the Lord and loves people. I want to share a story when she was on an airplane going to a convention…let it be that she doesn’t like flying one bit…but this story is a calling for us all, enjoy!

The famous author Patsy Clairmont was sitting next to a young man on an airplane and she was delighted to have someone to talk to ​instead of keeping her fears from flying! Patsy loves to observe wherever she is and she had already observed something remarkable about this young man she was sitting by. Why? Because he called her “Ma’am.” Concluding he was from either from the south or in the service, she decided the latter was the most likely choice. So, she asked him “What branch of the service are you in?” The Marines he said. I’m just coming back from a year and a half tour in Desert Storm. My family will be meeting me at the airport.”

Patsy said “you must have thought about returning to your family and home many times while being in the Middle East.” The soldier replied, “Oh, no, Ma’am. We were taught never to think of what might never be, but to be fully available right where we were.” Patsy and the soldier talked about that all the way until they landed. When they said goodbye Patsy said “I am thankful for knowing you and you shared something for me that I want to continue to try to do and that is to be fully available right where I am! He hugged her and went on his way. A few months later she saw him on TV with his regiment of Marines and this young man was given the Medal of Honor—the highest military decoration in the United States. He had not told Patsy about his bravery when he took a risk of saving 5 lives! Indeed went above and beyond the call of duty.

Such love indeed, and in 1 John 3:16-18 [TPT] we hear these powerful words that Jesus gave to the Apostle John: This is how we know what love is: “This is how we have discovered love’s reality: Jesus sacrificed his life for us. Because of this great love, we should be willing to lay down our lives for one another. If anyone sees a fellow believer in need and has the means to help him, yet shows no pity and closes his heart against him, how is it even possible that God’s love lives in him? Beloved children, our love can’t be an abstract theory we only talk about, but a way of life demonstrated through our loving deeds.”

When it comes to living out God’s calling in your life, are you fully available right where you are or do you play it safe, sitting on the fence and not wanting to be too committed for the fear of looking like a “fanatic?” If so, think about that young Marine, he was committed in his heart to help and 5 people were alive because of it.

Remember this: God’s calling in your life is of the utmost importance! Do like that soldier did, lay down yourself each day and be fully available to accomplish God’s mission for your life! That mission will change your life and give you the joy of living your life and sharing with those in need. AMEN.