Many people struggle with the call of God on their life and some do it all their life. While it is right to wonder about it if you are not already certain, there is something that is just as important – if not even more so.

The above verse in Romans strongly hints at the fact that you cannot know or do the perfect will of God unless two things occur:

1. You no longer follow the world in its customs, practices, language, goals, or trends. In other words, the world does not recognize you as one of their own.
2. Your mind has been transformed by Christ. Instead of being focused all the time on earthly matters, you are now more concerned about expanding the Kingdom of God and giving Him glory.

Only when these two things are right, can you know the will of God. Some people, once they know it, shrink back from it. If you do, God will bring you back to it one day, but that original door may no longer be open to you – and years may have been wasted in the meantime. Remember Jonah?

The call of God is manifest in several ways – but not in a single way. Don’t expect to have a call like Paul had on the road to Damascus. It is different for each individual and it may be revealed at any time or place. God may call through:

• A Scripture verse
• What others say about your spiritual abilities (gifts)
• What your heart’s desire is (be careful with this one because it can be misleading – you must also be qualified for some positions).
• Doors that may open to you
• Seeking counsel from a pastor or other godly leader
• What the Holy Spirit tells you while in prayer and Bible study.

Sometimes, the call of God requires special preparation and training. Bible school may be needed if you intend to be a pastor or missionary. Be doing now what you can.

In addition to the above things, you need to surrender to God and tell Him that you will do whatever He wants and go where He wants you to go. He will not show you if you place limits on what you will do. Remember, too, that you will be happiest in God’s will wherever He leads and that He will always be with you.

===========

Have you seen these other posts on the Will of God?

Determining the Will of God in Your Life

Christ’s Teaching on the Will of God and Salvation

The Will of God and Deliverance

Doing the Will of God Means Having a Single Mind

Making Plans and the Will of God

The Connection Between Knowing God’s Will and Faithfulness

The Will of God and the Word of God

Although commonly seen in most manger scenes, according to the Bible, the wise men were never at the manger where the baby Jesus lay. Instead, they came about two years later when Jesus was called “a young child” and was living in “a house.”

Another popular misconception is that there were three wise men – usually based on the three gifts the Bible mentions – “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). It is quite possible that many – or each of the wise men – offered gold, because it was always welcome. Besides, what better gift could you give a king?

It seems that these wise men – and they are rightly so-called – may have known more about Christ than they are thought to know. It is doubtful that they were Jews, and they had likely come from a considerable distance. No town or country is mentioned – but somehow they knew of the coming of the Savior.

It is possible they learned of Christ from the many Jews that stayed behind in Babylon when they were freed to go back to Israel. Some of those that stayed behind were no doubt instructors of the Bible to those that would listen; but after Babylon was destroyed – they were scattered far and wide.

The three gifts that were offered to Jesus were “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Whether or not the wise men knew of their application to Jesus is uncertain, but they are significant and worthy of note. Bible scholars believe that the gold possibly represented Christ’s Kingship; He is the King of kings. Frankincense is known for its very pleasant fragrance and speaks of Christ’s fragrance of life and His current ministry of intercession.

Myrrh is mentioned three times in the Gospels and each time it is a reference to death. When on the Cross, Christ was offered vinegar (also called “wine” in some places) with myrrh. Myrrh is a bitter tasting spice, and is called “gall” in Mt. 27:34. The other reference to myrrh in the New Testament is when Christ was to be buried: Nicodemus brought “myrrh and aloes” to wrap in the cloths to prepare Christ’s body for burial.

All three of these gifts sum up several characteristics of the Lord Jesus. Although He certainly was a King (Pilate put it on a sign above Christ’s Head), and His life was constantly very fragrant to men and God because He was always doing good, yet Christ’s life cannot be separated from the myrrh – the bitterness of death. Thank God, though, that He rose again!

Christ left the glories of Heaven and He came to die for you and me. His death has benefited millions in the 2,000 years since His death. Many today know Him personally as their Lord and Savior. Will you receive the benefit of His death and resurrection by calling on Him today to save you? He is waiting for your call: “Behold, I stand at the door” (of your heart) “and knock.” Will you answer the door today? He is the greatest Gift anyone could ever have this Christmas season!