I can’t explain it. I don’t hear an audible voice, but I sense an urging. It goes something like this: “You need to speak to that person, they may need help.” I never regret responding to such a call, for each opportunity to help or bless someone else is a gift – to them and to me. In the giving of this gift, I receive something equally as relevant and significant in my own life as that which I have given. Such giving is the essence of joy – not because I receive, but because for a season, self-will chooses to set self aside in favor of attending the need of another in their best interest – moving from self-indulgence to God-love, at least for a time.
Sometimes, I am simply so focused on myself – my plans and desires – that I deliberately choose to ignore the call. I’ve become an expert at justifying myself to myself at times like these. I suspect I could even excuse myself to the one in need. But I can never excuse myself to the One who calls. How much suffering in the world could be eased if more of us would simply listen and respond to the call?
Many times, I am simply so self-absorbed and preoccupied, that I am totally unaware of the call. In light of the joy of setting self aside in favor of others, whether through deliberate refusal or ignorant unawareness, I lament these missed opportunities to serve, bless and glorify God; and the personal spiritual growth that always results from an obedient response to the call.
Human beings are easily deceived by self-importance. We value ourselves and others based on tangible abilities, possessions, and accomplishments, as if these were something other than gifts – things of our own making. Certainly, we create, excel, acquire and possess as the result of initiative, ability, and effort, but each of these are also gifts. The ‘self-made man’ is a myth. We do not – indeed we cannot – create ourselves. We are the creation of Another. And, the creation is always a reflection of the purpose of the one who creates. How arrogant we are, as human beings, if we presume that we are the exception to this Truth. We seek significance, security, fulfillment – but usually in conflict, rather than agreement, with the Creator’s purpose. We mistakenly believe His purpose to be less than we deserve, less than we desire, less than our potential. The Truth is that awareness and pursuit of His purpose is the only road that leads to significance, security, and fulfillment. It is the only avenue through which our deepest and most authentic desires and longings are met. Every other road is a dead end.
God calls with a still, small voice so that our positive response indicates our desire and intent to hear – and obey. We sometimes lament the fact that He does not call loud and clear; and demand obedient response. Yet, we would likely resent it if He did. The challenge of every human life is to know its true purpose and pursue it. Satisfaction and fulfillment are found in the life that seeks and responds to the Creator.
If you already travel this road, you are blessed, even through adversity. If you have not yet chosen this path, I urge you to be open to the possibility that these ideas might represent a significant part of Ultimate Truth. Perhaps the story of Dry Bones Denver and walking to denver will draw you deeper into the Story by the Author of all Creation.
Some might think walking to denver to be an extraordinary mission, and in a way it is. But perhaps what makes it extraordinary is not the scope or magnitude of the project, or the fact that someone has heard and responded, but the fact that so many neither listen for nor respond to His call. What if projects such as walking to denver were to become commonplace among people of The Way? The Bible is replete with stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things in response to God’s call, not because they were able, but because they were available. Will it be hard? Is there much uncertainty? Could it be dangerous? Will some misunderstand? Yes. Is there a chance that it will fail? Not if God’s purpose, strength, and guidance remain the central focus. As people go, I am as ordinary as any. There is nothing deserving, worthy, or peculiar about me that makes me particularly well suited for this call. In fact, some who know me would have to ask, “Why would God choose him?” to which I respond, “I don’t know.” This is the beauty of the way God works. Clearly, the ‘success’ of all who respond to His call results from the synergy of human availability, willingness, and submission, and the guidance and power of Him who calls.
Two major reasons have emerged for my commitment to walking to denver. First, (this reason has only recently become clear, yet it would seem to be the most important), I am walking to denver because the call, the opportunity, is a gift - one I do not deserve. Second, and equally important, I am walking to denver because my heart is broken to do whatever I can to help these kids discover Light and Life. It is my privilege to walk 1,319 miles to accomplish this. How far will you go?
Before you answer this question, come and meet some of the kids.