Thursday, January 8, 2009

Sneak Peek: It's Your Call by Lawrence Powell




In It’s Your Call: 7 Sure Ways to Fulfill Your Life’s Purpose, author Lawrence Powell outlines life-changing practical steps that will unlock the chains of self-doubt and insecurity that are keeping you separated from your dreams and set you free to live the life God called you to live.



This excellent resource is filled with powerful insights that will help readers discover what God has planned for their lives and how to overcome those obstacles that are preventing them from moving forward out of inaction and lethargy into the loving embrace of a God who wants to reward them for their obedience to his call. Throughout the book’s seven chapters, Powell reveals a challenging step-by-step plan that equips readers to break through life’s sometimes insurmountable barriers and find peace, purpose, and direction on the other side. The pages are filled with Biblical wisdom, wit, and personal anecdotes of Powell’s amazing life that help readers discover the secrets to reaching new heights of success and productivity in their ministry, business, and personal life.



A Q&A with Lawrence Powell, Author of It’s Your Call



There is a sense in It’s Your Call that the journey is just as, if not more, important than the destination. What are some of the important things people should understand about how God works through our struggles?



Joseph had a dream that didn't include details about the struggles he would encounter on the way to its fulfillment. Notwithstanding, the surprises would prove to be invaluable lessons learned. Some things in life cannot be understood apart from the school of hard knocks. Learn to see opportunity in adversity. Don't waste your trials complaining. Like Joseph, you will discover the favor of God in unlikely places. If God brought you to it, He will bring you through it successfully.



Many are struggling with self-doubt and insecurity about the direction their lives are supposed to take. What is the first step they should take to break free from those things that are holding them back?



Self-doubt and insecurity are typical of what most of us face at some time or another regarding our life’s purpose. The first thing to do is come to grips with God’s intentional choice of you. Face it, you are the one for the job. Don’t focus on your imperfections however daunting and many they may be indeed. God knows everything about you and chose you just the same. You are not His last choice but His first. He believes you will succeed at what He’s called you to fulfill. Accept the call and then pursue it diligently.



You caution those who think they are prepared to be used by God that they should be ready to face the “powers of darkness.” What is it like to be “refined by God”? What should they expect?



God’s purpose in our development is not to pamper us physically but to perfect us spiritually. Refining involves intense heat. It is when the flames of testing are the hottest. Remember also, believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. Frankly, we all need refining from time to time. The process is painful but necessary. Still, it is very important that we take the heat and let God rid us of harmful elements that contaminate our character. Our submission to the Lord during the refining process is critical to the outcome. In the end, He wants us to reflect the true image of Jesus Christ.



It’s Your Call brings into focus the necessity of staying connected to God in order that he might help us stay connected to the right people. Why is this so important?



No man is an island. We are all interdependent. None of us can survive without the assistance of others. Divine connections are a part of God’s Master Plan for His children. Most importantly our connection to God is crucial to life and purpose. Everyone is not necessarily for you. Believe it or not, you have some enemies. Don’t make the mistake of linking up with just anyone for the sake of relationship. Bad company or connections corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). If you walk with the wise, you will become wise; walk with the stupid…well, you know the rest.



Having all the right answers and being pointed in the right direction won’t do anyone any good unless they, as you say, “Get out of the boat!” What are the practical next steps in this journey?



Getting out of the boat has to do with faith. Pursuit is the proof of desire. Faith without works is dead. After perceiving and accepting the call of God, you must pursue it faithfully come what may. Boat life is idyllic and predictable. It is also restrictive. As with Peter, Jesus, with one word, is calling us to move beyond what’s cozy and familiar. That word is, “Come.”

When the Lord says, “Come” it is both a command and a promise. Obey the command and the promise is that He will enable you to do what is humanly impossible, like walk on water. Keeping your eyes on Jesus will sustain you during trying times. When all is said and done, you will make great strides and accomplish much.



It’s Your Call: 7 Sure Ways to Fulfill Your Life’s Purpose

by Lawrence Powell

Victory Publishing – November 2008

ISBN #: 0-88144-291-7/204 pages/hardback/$19.99

www.ItsYourCallBook.com

Be watching for my review...coming some time this year...I promise!

Happy Reading!

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1 comment:

Cathy Bryant said...

Thanks for this interview. I've always loved the story of Joseph for the lessons that were mentioned in this post. I have a note in my Bible that I copied from somewhere that says: "Whatever God allows in your life today will prepare you for what He has planned tomorrow." It's been true in my life, although there are days when I question if He knows what He's doing. :D