Given the nature
of the spiritual journey, many will have this shared testimony “I grew up in
the church and knew of God but wasn't committed to God”; likewise, I had experienced a sporadic
relationship with God from youth to my young adult years. . .” But when I was nineteen years old God rattled me with a statement of purpose:
“I want
you to preach my Word!”
While in Basic
Training preparing to serve in the United States Army, I heard the Holy Spirit
distinctly as I kneeled in prayer during chapel service, “Marcus, I
want you to preach My Word!” Although, I had no doubt God was
calling me, I focused on my sin, limitations and weaknesses spending years avoiding
and dismissing my purpose. I could only
see my present and past failings. But God continued pursuing me and reminding me "greater
is He that is in me than he that is in the world". Throughout my
young adult follies, I would hear the Holy Spirit’s encouragement “For
I know the plans I have for you! They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope”. I tried to escape my call but
God
is faithful!
My biggest fear
and resistance to my call wasn’t preaching or people, I feared being a preacher
who served two masters. Once I decided to commit to pursuing my call, I
realized I hadn’t been repentant and fully given myself to Jesus. However, as I
made that pivotal decision, my entire life transformed. I became clear about my
call, my purpose and the direction of my life. I gained a greater understanding
of God’s faithfulness and Psalm 37:5, “Commit everything to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you” became an endearing scripture.
In June, many
years after hearing God’s call while kneeling in an Army chapel at Ft. Knox,
KY, I knelt before my Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett (who is from Kentucky) and
she charged me, “Marcus, Take thou authority and preach the Word of
God. . .” I have no doubt God is faithful and throughout my journey
toward ordination I discovered God waits for our faithful response.
To what or whom
is God waiting for you to commit? Perhaps, you have wavered in your commitment
to Jesus? in a relationship with someone? a career, starting a business or
non-profit, etc.? Today is your opportunity to commit to and know the plans God
has for you.
God is faithful and awaits our
faithful response!
--
INSPIRED BY LOVE,
Pastor Marcus J. Singleton
Living Faith Community
Living Faith Community
Join us on Sundays at 10am:
Oxmoor Valley Community Center
1992 Wenonah Oxmoor Road
Birmingham, AL 35211
Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".
