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name written on it.With that in mind, carefully consider these three principles when answering God’s call. Recognize the value of your current assignment. I’ve known those who’ve said, “I’m just not doing enough for the Lord. I need to go back to school for more training and go into the ministry.” Navigate those waters carefully.There are those who “answer a call” to atone for sin rather than responding to the Lord.Whether it’s paid or volunteer, ministry related or church specific, carefully examine your motive, making sure your desire doesn’t merely stem from boredom or a sense of unfulfillment. I love the fact that Elisha was busy working on the family farm, “plowing with twelve yoke of oxen” when Elijah came calling (1 Kings 19:19). I have found that God loves a moving target when it comes to handing out ministry assignments. Moses was faithfully tending sheep when the bush ignited. David was doing the same when Samuel came looking for Saul’s replacement. Peter and Andrew were busy casting their net into the sea when Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Matthew was collecting taxes when Jesus announced His call, “Follow Me!” (Matthew 9:9). It was in the beginning stages of a very promising career with a major corporation that God issued a clear call on my life in mid-1982. Also, I was on the verge of engagement and marriage, having met the love of my life. My goal was to be a successful busi nessman, not a preacher.Yet, God had a different plan. I worked diligently for several months leading up to our wedding in the summer of 1983.What kind of witness would it have been if I had just coasted along those final months, knowing my days there were numbered? In the end, my boss and coworkers were very supportive. Perhaps you find yourself restless and unfulfilled in your pres-

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