For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
—1 Corinthians 9:16

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
—1 Peter 4:10

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
—Colossians 3:23

If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
—1 Timothy 3:1

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
—Ephesians 2:10

~~~~~

An Internal Call
By Jennifer Kane

There is a stirring—
not thunder,
not trumpet,
just a quiet nudge
that does not leave me alone.

I try to turn away,
but the call follows—
through sunrise prayers
and quiet conversations,
through broken places
and holy opportunities.

It isn’t glory I seek,
nor the weight of being seen.
It is obedience.
It is love.

What else can I do
but speak,
but serve,
but give what He has given to me?

The gifts aren’t mine.
They were placed in my hands
like seeds in spring—
not to hoard,
but to plant,
to water,
to tend.

Some days,
the work is unnoticed.
Some days,
it’s all I can do to keep showing up.
But even then,
He is in it.
He sees.
He remembers.

I learn to pour myself out
with joy,
with reverence,
because I am not building my own kingdom—
I am walking in works
prepared before I drew breath.

There is no shame in longing
to do something noble—
if the longing
is rooted in Him.

So I follow.
Not because I must,
but because His love
compels me.

~~~~~

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 9:16, 1 Peter 4:10, Colossians 3:23, 1 Timothy 3:1, Ephesians 2:10

Have you ever felt a deep, unshakable pull toward something—an ache that won’t let go until you pursue it? That longing may not be accidental. It could be the voice of the Lord calling you to serve in a way only you can.

When we speak of calling, we often think of pastors or missionaries. But God’s call to serve isn’t reserved for the pulpit. Every believer is called to serve others in love (Galatians 5:13). This service isn’t always dramatic or public. Sometimes it looks like preparing meals, writing encouragements, fixing computers, raising children, or designing buildings. All lawful work done in faith is sacred when offered to God.

The internal call—what Paul had when he said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel”—is not about ego or pressure. It is a God-given compulsion, a burning in the soul that aligns with your gifts and circumstances. Paul wasn’t just good at preaching; he was burdened with the necessity of it.

You might feel something similar about your work. Maybe it’s “Woe to me if I don’t teach music,” or “Woe to me if I don’t help people heal,” or even “Woe to me if I don’t start that shelter, that school, that business that honors God.”

God does not waste gifts. Your passions, skills, and longings are not random—they may be signposts pointing you toward your personal mission field. Ask yourself: what work brings me life and brings life to others? Where do I sense God’s quiet whisper saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21)?

What work stirs your heart and makes you feel alive in service to others?
Have you been ignoring or delaying something God may be calling you to pursue?
What gifts have others affirmed in you? Could they be pointing toward your calling?

~~~~~

Father God, You are the Master Craftsman, and I am Your workmanship. You have placed in me passions and gifts not for my glory, but for Your purposes. Help me discern the internal call You have placed on my life. Open my ears to Your whisper and give me courage to follow it. Whether in the church, the classroom, the kitchen, or the community, show me how I can serve in love. Let me say with Paul, “Woe to me if I do not serve!” and may I do all things heartily, as for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

June 17 2025