CLC and the Call of God

By Guy Cornell, UK National Leader

How do people come to join CLC? Whether they serve as a volunteer, a short term worker, or a full time member of the mission, we believe that they will receive a call or direction from God, a sense that God would want them to serve Him in this way. In Psalm 32:23 it says, “The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives,” and in 32:8, “The Lords says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” (NLT) We encourage people to seek the Lord for His answer when thinking of CLC, because if they join and He has other plans for them, they won’t find the peace or joy available in serving the Lord.

So, how can you find out God’s direction for you? There is no hard and fast rule, but let me list some of the ways God may use. First of all, make sure the Lord has your whole heart in seeking His plans. I remember once Dee and I were seeking God’s will where to serve His as a pastor, and nothing was opening up. A friend of ours asked us this very question, “Does God have your whole heart? Are you willing to serve Him anywhere?” We thought so, but later realised that we expected God to put us in one place and He had somewhere else in mind. We had to re-examine this question, submit to Him again to go anywhere, and the doors quickly opened. So, does the Lord have your whole heart?

Second, see if God gives you a specific word. Sometimes He will speak to your heart as you are reading the Bible, a scripture just may stand out to you or speak to your situation. Sometimes He will speak to your heart during a time of prayer, showing you something that you hadn’t thought of before. Sometimes God will catch your attention when you least expect it, reading a book or taking a shower or riding the bus, and you realise He is trying to say something. Many times He will speak through the counsel and encouragement of others. In fact, when Dee and I are facing big decisions, we often share our concerns with some close friends who will pray and let us know what they think God is saying.

Third, as God speaks, begin to watch for the open door, for the chance to serve God as He directs. When Dee and I were first called by God to serve in the UK, I was a pastor in the States and could not imagine how God would work that out. We called some mission organisations but there were either no positions available or no interest in missions in the UK. So we decided to pray and keep watch for the opening for us. It was some years before it came, but when our daughter Jennifer worked as a short term volunteer in the London shop for a university course, we knew God was also showing us the way to serve Him. Be patient, for if God has spoken it, it will come to pass. Keep your eyes open for His opportunities!