Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. JAMES 4:8 THE MESSAGE 

My mother-in-law is a firecracker of a lady. Despite her itty-bitty stature of five-foot-zilch, her spiky hair and her larger-than-life presence is that of a mighty lion. God has placed a call upon her life that radiates with a holy fire, and goodness gracious, has she embraced it. 

However, her calling has not come without its challenges. She has been mocked for her spiritual giftings, mocked for worshipping through dance, and mocked for simply being a woman in ministry. Yet, none of it fazes her. Because her identity is so rooted in Christ, she has never tried to be anyone else, and she has never strayed from acting in obedience to the voice of God. 

As someone who married into the family, I’ve watched her example from the sidelines for over a decade. I’ve always possessed a quiet honor for her; whether it’s watching her pray for someone at a grocery store or dance at a conference in front of many, it is visibly apparent that my mother-in-law allows God to move and flow effortlessly through her. 

You and I also have a heavenly mantle placed upon our lives. God has destined all of us to do great and mighty things for Him. That’s why it is so important for us to surrender our lives completely, saturate our hearts with His Word, and seek His wisdom and guidance every step of the way. 

There is an enemy who is so intimidated by the power of God inside you that he will do anything to keep you from making a difference. He will lie to you by saying “That’s not your calling,” or he will convince you to neglect your gifts completely. However, when we ignore our call, it will always lead to a fall; we must fully embrace what God designed us to do! 

Maybe as you’re reading this, you can picture God’s call in the back of your mind. Maybe pain, or fear, has kept you from acting in obedience. But today, walk in lion-like boldness because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world! 

God, no matter the opposition, I choose to fulfill the call You have placed upon my life. Amen. 

This is an excerpt from Goodness Gracious: 90 Unfiltered Devotions for This Sometimes-Too-Serious Life by Hannah Crews a devotional now available for on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.