Where does your Calling Come From?

 There are so many who live tragically unfulfilled lives because they are dominated and constrained by other people's expectations.

There are women who have amazing gifts from God but are forced to submit in marriage.

Charles and Frances Hunter were pioneers in the healing ministry. They served God as partners.

Their daughter Joan was also gifted by God and called to serve with gifts of healing. When she was engaged early in her life, her fiancé said her ministry should be under his control after the wedding because he, as the husband, was the head. She immediately called off the engagement.

The husband is never the master of his wife, but her partner under God's rule.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph 5:21 NIV

If you have gifts of grace from God, you are responsible to God yourself.

There are churches and denominations where women are forced to play a passive or subordinate role. Many women in this situation have found a way out by never marrying and becoming missionaries in distant lands.

In the 19th century, the majority of missionaries in China were women. They mainly evangelised among Chinese women. Today, more than 75% of church leaders in China are women pastors.

Many women are frustrated and unfulfilled because of legalism and human traditions, but not only women.

How many men are gifted to serve as shepherds and preachers but are never allowed to marry in their denomination. So often we see how such men cannot bear life without a wife.

On the other hand, there are devoted Christians who marry because their church forces them to, and their marriage is a disaster.  

I read the story of a pastor. He was in a meeting with the board of his church. The church was having serious problems. Suddenly, the pastor stood up and shocked the elders.

I'm resigning. I only became a pastor because my mother wanted me to!

What is your calling? Who does your calling come from?