The Call

By Synthia Robinson-Pack

It comes suddenly upon you,

Not giving you the opportunity to fully understand it,

Before you must answer, Yes or no.

Will you obey it or throw it aside?

It is a question that only you can answer.

No one else can do it for you.

It comes with great emotional torment,

And even great spiritual turmoil.

If this is from God why is there no peace?

The question lingers over you like a huge black beast,

Ready for you to ride upon its back,

Or be picked to pieces by its talons.

You cannot hide from it.

You can not run from it, no matter how quick you may be.

It is always there, awaiting your final answer.

Will you answer Yes or No?

That is the most difficult part - the beginning.

Starting it is even harder than finishing it.

Oh God, this is too much for me.

I cannot endure any more.

Please remove it from me. This cross I cannot bear.

He answers, I bore My cross and will help you bear yours.

The cross I bore is one of wood and earth,

For the hearts and souls of men.

I set the spirit free even as the body is bound,

By callings, by responsibilities, by honor.

This is your cross.

Pick up your cross and carry it for Me.

Hold it up as I lift you up higher and higher.

You will find a level where there is no pain.

Why if there will be no pain, do I feel it so strongly now?

Can you give me the cross without the pain?

I don't want the pain.

My child, if I remove the pain, then I have to take away your cross.

Your cross is the cause of your pain,

But it will be worth it. Trust Me.

Oh God, I want to trust you,

But what if I am not strong enough?

What if I fail?

I will be there to help you endure your cross.

I will ensure you are successful when you answer My calling.

Trust Me and you will find peace in the midst of it all.

In the midst of great pain, you will find health.

In the midst of great cost, you will find great treasure.

In the midst of great loss, you will find unspeakable gain.

Oh God, it is so difficult to answer your calling.

Despite the inner man which screams "Yes,"

I silently utter "I shall carry my cross."

Because God it is my responsibility and my privilege to carry my cross,

And I can only imagine what it would have been like,

If you had refused yours.

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