A call to leadership can come in a variety of ways. It can come through people as well as circumstances. I was alone in the atrium of my company’s world headquarters when God prompted me to step into a leadership position.
I thought the call was a wrong number.
My response was typical. I immediately asked, Who me, God? I was sure the call was not mine. I knew it was meant for someone more qualified. So I called someone else.
The Christian group, on which I was a council member, was without a leader. I didn’t want to panic, but I needed to act quickly. I called Glenn, because he led the group through a crisis the previous year. The Christian group may or may not have been in another crisis, but I was for sure!
“I’ll pray about it,” was Glenn’s promise. He was leaving on a trip with his family and assured me he would call back upon his return. I knew Glenn was a man of his word, and I was comforted knowing he would make it a matter of prayer.
Two weeks didn’t pass quickly enough. When the return call came, Glenn apologetically explained that he did not feel God was calling him to take the helm again. I was disappointed; however, I was not surprised.
“That’s okay, Glenn. I know who God is calling,” I responded. I knew God had asked me.
After thanking Glenn for his consideration, I let God know I was willing to listen and go wherever He wanted me to go and do whatever He wanted me to do. I reminded God I didn’t feel qualified for what He was asking. He knew.
God knew I doubted myself, and that I should not doubt Him.
I was about to learn that God doesn’t necessarily call the qualified, but that He does qualify the called.
It is never a wrong number when God calls. God does not misdial.
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, to those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:1-2).
I have been abundantly blessed through answering God’s call.
Shari is currently serving as a Hospice Chaplain at Olive Grove Hospice. Shari is a certified coach who lends a blend of business and ministry experience to her every endeavor. God has given her a passion to encourage people to integrate work and faith. You can learn more about her book, Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement on her website: www.sharjharris.com and contact her at sharijharris@comcast.net
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