Your Calling | The Rev. Deacon Robert A. Jacobs

05.3.19 | Community, Pulpit Posts, World

It is important to every so often remind yourself of your calling. This means going back in your mind to the point when God called you to follow and serve Him.

Where is that place for you? Where is it that you go to in your own mind when things get tough and you feel like quitting? Maybe some of you cannot identify a specific place and time where you felt the Lord’s calling. Often, we fail in our calling because we do not understand the significance and importance of what Christ has called us to. We forget what really matters. Understand that God has a plan for your life? Do you understand your calling, and can you see how God wants to change the world through you?

Have you ever caught yourself looking at someone else’s life and wondering why they have it so easy and you have it so hard? Everyone around you seems to just dance through life but you find yourself constantly struggling just to make it through another week. God has not called us to compare ourselves with other people, He has called us to obey.

In Hebrews 21:1 it says that we are to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Notice that God marks out the course, not us. He chooses the route and for each one of us it is different He also chooses the talents, temperament, trials and tests that we will have and face. You cannot compare yourself to another person because you are not that person. They have their course, you have yours.

You cannot choose your calling. Your calling chooses you. You have been blessed with special skills that are yours alone. Use them, what ever they may be, and forget about wearing another’s hat.

Here at Holy Apostles, we all have some kind of ministry calling on our lives. We have a mission, a mandate that we were made for. God has called us to follow Him and given us the privilege of investing our lives in His sheep. Perhaps today Jesus wants to remind you of his call on your life.

A chicken and a pig walked past a church building one day when they noticed the Sunday morning sermon title posted on the outside bulletin board, “helping the Poor.” While walking the chicken suddenly came up with a suggestion. “Say, Brother Hog, why don’t we give all the poor people a nice breakfast of ham and eggs.” The hog thought for a moment and replied, “Sister Chicken, that’s all right for you to say because for you it is only a contribution. For me, it’s total commitment!”

God wants to build something with your life if you will let him. Let me encourage you to review that calling. If you have failed and fallen let Jesus renew that calling in your life and rest in the fact that God wants to do something amazing in this world in and through you.

What is your calling? It all starts with loving God. May the Lord remind, renew and release that love in us today as we seek to share it with a hurting world.

Rev. Robert Jacobs

Rev. Robert Jacobs

THE LATEST

Stay current on activity at the Soup Kitchen, guest stories, thoughts from Clergy, news and events.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.

Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

LEARN MORE

For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

LEARN MORE
Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

LEARN MORE
SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

LEARN MORE
Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

VIEW ALL
Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.