Keith Battle - Divine Interruptions - Part 2

I created a message called «Divine Interruptions» about living your life, as we examined a passage in Matthew Chapter Four. I want to revisit that passage today. Typically, I would have moved on to something else, but I can’t remember ever receiving so many calls, texts, threats, questions, and concerns. It feels like you’re speaking directly to me. However, in order to truly make a move, we need to spend a little more time here so that people can make the right decision. I can’t tell you what that decision is; all I can share is what God’s word says, and then you must determine how to apply it to your own life. What are you supposed to do with God’s truth? That applies to all of us—whether we’re in a situation where we need to make a decision or choose how to handle it. I believe the best place to get direction and guidance is from the Word of God.

This is no different in our careers, vocations, or life’s work. We don’t know how much time we’ll have in this life; nobody knows when that clock starts ticking. The clock starts ticking the moment we are born, and the timer is running without any expiration dates. Sometimes when a person is terminally ill, doctors can predict how long they may live, but for the most part, most of us wander through life with an uncertain expiration date. I believe it’s vital for us to know what we’re supposed to do with this time, in addition to enjoying life abundantly. Where are we supposed to channel our skills and talents?

Yesterday, I watched something on one of the sports channels where a young man, a top high school football recruit, signed with Jackson State to play for Coach Prime, Deion Sanders. I thought that was really cool. One common phrase among the players is when they grab their hat and announce their school, they say, «I’m taking my talents to…» and they name their university. Just like those being recruited for their exceptional football or basketball skills, the Holy Spirit is trying to recruit you. You must decide where you will direct your talents and skills. Will you place them where the most money is, or will you invest them where there’s the most meaning in your life? What is most meaningful for you? What kind of work resonates with your soul?

When God calls you to leave your living, He always calls you to something more meaningful—something that truly speaks to your soul. I was speaking with someone this week who challenged a message and confessed something that rings true for many: they feel like they are stealing money at their job. The reason is that they feel divided. When you have a divine calling and only half-heartedly pursue it, you’re not giving your employer your full attention. In fact, you’re only contributing as much of your calling as you would to a paycheck. That’s why it feels like stealing. At some point, your character should lead you to say, «You know what? Let me allow someone else to take this position—someone who truly wants to do this.» If you don’t enjoy it, even though it fills your pockets, it doesn’t fill your soul.

I don’t know how much you could pay me to feel empty in my soul. How many trips can I take? How many furs can I buy? How many shoes can I purchase? How many cars can I drive to fill an empty soul? There is a kind of work that can bring you alive, one that excites you and feels destined. It makes a difference in people’s lives. God is recruiting you for that. Will you take your talents there?

So, I want to return to Matthew Chapter 4. By the way, if you’d like to follow along with me, we’ve compressed our platforms today. Whatever you clicked on, you’re likely in a consolidated room with a lot of family. I can only be in one place, so I am on Zion Anywhere’s YouTube page, where I want to interact with you. If you want to jump over there, you’re welcome to do so. You don’t have to; you can remain where you are and still enjoy the service. The only difference is that I’ll be able to see your chat, as I can’t monitor more than one chat from my device.