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Second Calling

Briefing: Has God ever called you to service? Do you believe you were called to law enforcement or ministry?

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Romans 11:25-32.

On the Street: When I was in my early teens, I felt and heard God’s call on my life. I announced to my family and my church that I had been called into the ministry. When I graduated high school and went off to college, I tried to forget this calling. Long story short, I returned to fellowship with God. At this point in my life, I had been in law enforcement for fifteen years and thought my calling to ministry had passed me by. Little did I know, it was all part of God’s plan because He wanted me to minister to law enforcement.

Paul is speaking of the Israelites in this passage and how God has a plan for them. God will reveal His plan when His timing is right. Paul makes a statement that is for all of us, not just the Israelites. Paul said, “for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” If God has called you to law enforcement or ministry, or both, then that is where He expects you to serve. God will not take it back no matter how far and fast you run away from Him, trust me on this.

Continuing in this passage, “Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy”. I can say that I disobediently ran from God’s calling but because of His mercy I am now back doing the work He called me to. Twenty years passed since He originally called me but that invitation to participate in His ministry never expired. If you find yourself in a similar situation, know and understand it is not too late. Pray for forgiveness and guidance. Seek out other believers and get back on track.

I have had several law enforcement friends that come to understand God’s call to ministry in their own lives. Their first reaction is they must leave their job and go to seminary to learn how to become a preacher. Each person’s call is unique and some may be called to the pulpit. I know how desperately the men and women of law enforcement need to hear about Jesus and there is plenty of ministry to be done right here in our own back yard to our own people.

Before Jesus went up to heaven, He gave the disciples what is called the Great Commission. In Luke 24:46-47, “He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Jesus told them to eventually go to the whole world but He said they must start in their own back yard. Ninety percent of law enforcement officers in the United States either don’t know Jesus or are ashamed to admit they do.

Has God called you to minister to the men and women of law enforcement? If so, there is help and people willing to show you how to get started. The last devotional had several resources and contacts to assist you. Start reaching out to other Christian peace officers in the ministry of sharing Christ in law enforcement.

Investigational Resources: The book of Jonah.

Officer Safety Principle: We live amongst a hurt and dying people who need Jesus Christ. Have you been called to help them?

from The Book of Romans Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
Click here to check out the entire Through the Eyes of a Cop series!