This passage of scripture illustrates John the Baptist’s calling. He dedicated His life to preparing for this ministry, which was to prepare the way of the Lord. John led a life that was set apart, and different from the standard of others. John had a different sound to the spiritual leaders of his time. People were attracted to that sound and came to the wilderness to hear what John had to say. Since he spoke from the conviction of his heart, his words rang true and with an urgency that people easily and quickly responded to. John’s ministry was successful because he wholeheartedly followed what God placed within him to do, without considering his own personal comfort. Like John, God calls us to be different from the world. Every believer has been called to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Praise God, we don’t have to do this in our own strength! We have the Presence and power of God residing in our spirits, empowering us to fulfil His purpose. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]”. In Mark 8:34, Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me.” We cannot follow Jesus wholeheartedly and remain doing life our own way, and on our own terms. Paul made it very clear that we are to please God by living controlled by His Spirit, and not by what feels comfortable to our flesh nature. Romans 8:8-9 says, “That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.)” Today, know that because you are born of God, you are called by Him to live by the will and power of His Spirit. This pleases Him and causes you to prosper in His purpose for you.