“Make your calling and election sure…”

All of us have a “calling.” Some people are called to sing, while others are called to teach or encourage people, but we have something we can do that others can’t. Years ago, especially in the 1970’s and 1990’s, there were a lot of “Gospel Tent Crusades!” Bobby has preached on street corners, in churches, and in gospel tents. It was a big job to put up a gospel tent, but he had one man that was really good at it named Riley! When Riley put up a tent, it was tight, looked beautiful, and could withstand heavy winds and rain. But after many years, Riley’s health began to fail, and he ended up in a wheelchair.

One day, Bobby wanted to have a big crusade in the Dominican Republic. Not knowing how bad Riley was, Bobby gave him a call. Riley said, “I’ll come and put the tent up!” We sent someone to pick him up at the airport. The man called Bobby and said, “You said Riley could put up a tent… He’s in a wheelchair!” When Riley arrived on the land, there was a bunch of Dominicans “standing around, talking, and doing nothing!” Riley “jumped out of the wheelchair” and started yelling at them “to get off their butts” and go to work! In no time at all, the tent was up, tight as a whistle, and the crusade was in high swing!! People were saved, delivered, and set free!!

After two weeks, it was time to take the tent down. Riley was back in his wheelchair, bent over, and on his way back home. When Riley was in his “calling,” he was strong, relentless, and tough. But, when he stepped back out of his calling, he went back to his wheelchair. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10 ) “Your blessing is in your calling…”

Have a great day!

Sherry