Christmas at Create- Christmas Story

Pastor Jacob

5 minute read

 

Friends, nothing is better than watching Christmas movies while cozy in your own home.  

 

Before we get started, I want to say that Pastor Ryan sends his love and will be back with us soon. It’s an absolute honor to share with you today, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. As we approach the Christmas season, I can’t help but think of one of my all-time favorite holiday movies, “A Christmas Story.”

 

Do you recall those days when TBS would grace our screens with twenty-four hours of “A Christmas Story”? My brother and I used to stay up late, watching it over and over. It’s a classic!

 

Today, this beloved film, particularly the character of Ralphie, will reveal something that God has planted in all of our hearts. I want to speak on your unique calling and how to navigate the divine plan God has for you.

 

Proverbs 16:9 reminds you that you can make your own plans, but the Lord establishes your steps. Just as Ralphie knew he wanted that coveted Red Ryder BB gun, you must have clarity about our calling.

 

Look into the Word of God for a moment. In 1 Kings 19:19, you can witness the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha. Elisha had a choice to make – whether or not to follow the call. Knowing your calling is the first significant step. What’s amazing is there are specific tasks that God has assigned to you.

 

Nevertheless, you need to be discerning about who influences you. Friends are a blessing, but they can also be distractions. Just like Peter, who rebuked Jesus in Matthew 16:21-23, well-intentioned friends might inadvertently hinder you on your journey. Jesus is an example of how to handle these friends. He didn’t cut Peter out of His life, but He did choose to  stand firm on the truth of who He was.

 

Trust in the Lord is pivotal. Sometimes, you must be willing to “burn the plow,” much like Elisha did, and wholeheartedly commit to God’s divine plan. Remember, there are no shortcuts when it comes to pursuing your calling.

 

As you continue in your calling, keep in mind that God’s path may not always align with your expectations. Be open to the unexpected twists and turns and resilient in the face of unwanted surprises, like Ralphie and his pink bunny suit. When you feel like it’s all over, remember that it’s often in moments of surrender to the Father that He reveals His most profound plans.

 

So, let’s elaborate on these stages of walking in your calling:

 

  1. 1. Knowing Your Calling: 

This is where it all begins. Seek clarity about what God has called you to do. It’s all about understanding the direction He wants you to follow. To emphasize the significance of this stage, let’s recall Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

 

  1. Trusting in the Lord:

 This is where many Christians can hit a stumbling block. You might know what God is calling you to do, but the cost can be daunting. Even in the face of uncertainty, remember that God is the one who “establishes your steps.” Trust in His divine timing and plan. To illustrate the importance of trust, consider 1 Kings 19:21, which describes how Elisha burned his plowing equipment, fully committing himself to God’s calling.

 

  1. Taking Action: 

At some point, you need to take a leap of faith and step into the calling. This is where you run with perseverance, as mentioned in Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

 

A final thought before I wrap up, Ralphie received his BB gun when he was cuddled up on the couch, fellowshipping with his father. A good father, Ralphie’s dad had his present wrapped and ready for him, hidden and safe for when the time was right. God is a good father. His calling for you is assured. If we listen to know what calling He has for us, trust that He is faithful to fulfill it, and take action by being obedient to His instructions, our calling will come to pass.