I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church . . . —Colossians 1:24

The call of God is not something we manufacture ourselves. We cannot take our own spiritual practices or disciplines and conjure up God’s calling for our lives. God will find a way to grab our attention for sure…He used a burning bush for Moses, a blinding light for Paul, He knows how to grab our attention! It may be through a unusual experience that we gain that clarity or a crushing painful moment that seals our hearts on His purpose but either way, God will communicate to us His desired call for our lives.

As Jesus’ body was broken and His blood poured out by the hands of people who did not know Him or love Him, should we expect any better treatment as we follow in His steps? He was bruised and crushed in order to bring new life to us, willingly accepting God’s choosing of how and where this would happen. If I am to become as broken bread and poured out wine, I cannot argue with God’s timing or choosing of how or when.

God has a plan. God has a call. I cannot argue with what means or ways He chooses to train me, ready me, prepare me, or use me for His  purposes. God may use things that seem completely out of line, from left field and without any continuity in His breaking of me. It is not up to me to choose my cross or my Golgotha; I simply choose to bear it.

God is seeking to make me a sweet wine offering but this cannot happen without being crushed and squeezed. Grapes contain the sweet wine that comes only when crushed beneath someone’s feet. Bread that feeds others only does so when broken and torn. But how filling when it is eaten!

God uses many different hands and fingers to tear us down, squeezing us out and giving us away to others. It may seem like an unfair or unjust issue in your life but don’t be surprised if it isn’t just the way that God uses you the most. Jesus fed over 5,000 men with a couple loaves of bread that were broken.
For more on this topic, read My Utmost For His Highest