Callings

Circle of Sisters on meridianmagazine.com (sorry it isn't listing a link to the original date) addressed a question about church callings, and their circumstances.  When is it all right to decline a calling?  Letters came for four solid weeks.  ( here, here, and here if you want)  All of us have been through the uncertainty, maybe the panic, the blessings, and the frustrations.  The upshot was that we all have the right to ask for our own spiritual confirmation and to line out our challenges and concerns, and that when a call truly comes from the Lord He will open a way.  Writers acknowledged that sometimes human beings extend those callings out of logic or need instead of prayer, and then we are not at fault to step back and take another look.

We have a very unique process in the Church, and it works because it actually comes by direction from the Lord.  Any other way, it wouldn't stand a chance.  Human beings on their own can't make this system work.

Every position in our wards and stakes is filled by those who are asked to serve and chosen by counsel and prayer (and who have other things going on in their lives).  Sometimes the fit of experience or interest is obvious, and sometimes it's a total surprise.  We believe that God will help those whom He calls--that's probably an idea we can agree on.  The rub comes when it's you suddenly out on that limb.  I was particularly touched by this letter from a brother who has been on the other side:


 Having served in three bishoprics I can tell you that callings do come from our Heavenly Father. I have been inspired to make these callings, but they did not always come (to me) in the same way. Most of the time I have had that sweet, still small voice tell me that a particular person that I have prayed about is the person for the job. It's such a wonderful experience to tell someone about a "call."

Does that mean that person was the only one that Father approves of? Not necessarily. Often it is the circumstances of the time that may have brought the name into consideration, such as having recently moved to the ward or having recently been released from another position. Perhaps it is that circumstance that the Lord orchestrated in order for them to be there and available at that time. It's possible though, that there were others that were just as worthy and would have been approved of by our Father.

I have had the occasional experience where I went to Him first, telling Him that I needed extra help on this calling and His will literally exploded into my thoughts. It doesn't happen very often, though.     

Also, on very rare occasions, I have not received a particular name, just that sweet, small voice again, this time telling me to use my best judgment and He would support whoever was chosen. Remember, "Whether it is by My voice or the voice of My servants, it is the same." 

Even if it comes down to the fact that someone is needed to fill a role and provide  a particular service and there is no perfect fit, Heavenly Father will bridge the gap and help someone with an honest heart accomplish what is needed, and turn it into a blessing.  All that matters, when it comes right down to it, is that the Spirit of the Lord confirms that you are meant to do this particular thing at this particular time, and He will show you the way, and never forsake you when you act in faith.  That's a pretty amazing job benefit.