I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 NKJV
The 2015 General Conference Sessions in San Antonio was one of our denomination’s largest gatherings. The many thousands of members from all over the world, assembled in one place, was a heavenly sight. Yet, at times, the crowds were overwhelming. There was little personal space and little control over one’s own movements, as though we were just parts of the whole of a moving mass swept along from place to place. The meetings started for many in Austin, where the North American Division of our church held its CALLED ministerial convention, which drew thousands.
One afternoon, in a riptide of moving people, I found myself searching for my husband, Nord. We were looking in the large convention center to find the age-specific meetings for our grandsons. Now, trying to find Nord was like looking for that proverbial needle in a haystack. The bustling crowds were thick and loud with boisterous greetings and sideline reunions. Echoes doubled the volume. Then, in the midst of that consuming multitude, I heard my name called out softly. Instantly I recognized that it was Nord’s familiar deep voice that had called to me. For a split second, I wondered whether I had imagined or actually heard Nord through the reveling crowd.
Nevertheless, I stopped and turned toward the direction from which he called. I could not see him but was certain it was he and certain of where to look. There he was, fifty yards back, moving toward me. His walking companion, Alvin, was astonished. He exclaimed repeatedly that my distinguishing Nord’s voice was not possible. He declared that had he not witnessed this, he would never have believed it. How, he asked, could I hear this one voice, spoken at normal volume and pitch, amid this multitude? Without any thought, my quick response was, „I know that voice! I’m attuned to it and can hear it anywhere.“ Then we paused as each was suddenly and simultaneously struck with the spiritual significance of the event and my explanation. Are you attuned to God’s voice? Jesus said, „My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me“ (John 10:27 NKJV). God has a unique call for each of us. Have you heard His call through life’s vexations? What is your calling? Will you move toward His voice today?
Notes of Joy © 2017 by Pacific Press Publishing Association