Key Bible Verse: Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand (Psalm 37:24). Bonus Reading: Psalm 73:21-26

Winding my way through dark city streets, I found myself wishing for light. In today's exchanges with four friends serving at the extreme ends of society, no trite God-has-you-here-for-a-reason advice would be helpful. Their questioning of their own calling, though fearful, was necessary. Questioning God was honest. Their doubts had integrity.

Surely God doesn't toy with the emotions of those who desire to follow Him. But when we've listened as carefully as we know how and have positioned ourselves as best we can discern in the epicenter of His will, why would we encounter so much resistance, frustration, and stress? Spiritual warfare? Lack of faith? Wrong method or timing? I can't give an answer. But regardless, there seems but one appropriate response to this holy entrapment: endure.

Could it be that divine calling isn't even about accomplishment? What if success is defined not in measurable productivity but in the quality of our interactions with others? What if the criterion by which we're ultimately evaluated is faithfulness rather than performance? Even more baffling, what if calling isn't primarily about effecting change but rather about being changed ourselves?

—Robert Lupton in Renewing the City

My Response: If God has called me, can I expect the results to be visible?

Thought to Apply: Don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty.—CORRIE TEN BOOM (Dutch speaker & author)

Adapted from Renewing the City (InterVarsity, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You've placed me in a challenging spot. Give me the faith, courage, and strength to stand tall there.

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