For 60 years I have preached in the central Ohio area serving six churches. A 50-cent-piece laid on a map of Ohio would cover my field of service. It may be that I misread the Great Commission and thought it said, “Go into Central Ohio.” But does answering God’s call always mean traveling great distances or crossing oceans?
Just the other day I got a call: “Dan, this is an emergency. We need you right now!” I was in the car and out the drive in 30 seconds because I heard the urgency of that call. Was it “God’s call”? It was a call from a Christian brother who needed me now—not later. I answered that call. Later that night I thanked God I was available when the call came.
Have we missed some calls?
I have had calls to go to other states and other countries, but I stayed in Ohio. Did I turn a deaf ear to God’s call? I don’t think so. God speaks to our hearts. My heart kept me in Ohio. Is it possible for us to answer every call? A preacher who had been in five different states and nine different congregations once told me I had missed some of God’s calls by staying in one area. He may be right. I may have missed some calls, but I’ve also answered many. Have you missed some calls from God? Probably. Have I missed some calls? I am sure I have. You and I need to walk with God each day and keep our eyes and ears open to the needs of those around us. We may miss a few calls, but God will richly use us when we answer.
Here am I, send me!
I would write more, but the phone just rang and a family needs me to talk to their son. God’s call is about being used by him no matter where we are. |L
Daniel Gault (recently deceased) of Brinkhaven, Ohio, served churches in central Ohio for many decades. Dan was a noted preacher, painter, author, carpenter, and storyteller.
