Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
This is a new year, and God is already doing new things. Unlike us who make resolutions and struggle to keep them, God’s plans for us have always been firm. Long, long ago God ordained that he would call us back to himself… to redeem us, his people, through the shed blood of his Son, Jesus Christ.
And so, God calls us in many ways: God calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9); God calls us to follow him (Matthew 4:19); to be a light to those who do not know him (Matthew 5:14-16); and to tell of his excellent greatness (Psalm 150:2).
When God calls us to salvation, he makes our hearts receptive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit so we can say “Yes” to Jesus’ offer of salvation.
Recently, two dear friends were called home to glory. Both knew the voice of the Savior. At an early age he called them to salvation. Later, he called each into lay ministry. And, in his final call, he called them to be with him because their mission here was completed.
Many times, even after we have accepted Christ, we struggle with the call of God on our lives. We super analyze it. Am I good enough? Do I know enough Scripture? Can I be a credible witness? What if I make mistakes?
While questions will swirl around in our minds, know this: God has given us everything we need to live in holiness (2 Peter 1:3) and to carry out the tasks he has assigned us.
The prophet Isaiah tells us of God’s great love for us and how he demonstrates it. God says:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
(Isaiah 43:1-3, NKJV)
Did you notice these things… whatever we are called to may not be a cake walk, but God promises to be with us every step of the way. Did you notice, too, that God’s call is personal? That’s why he “called you by your name.” Don’t look around at Bob or Susan, Ramon or Tasha, Ali or Choi. God wants you!
And if you are still wavering, God presents his heavenly identification:
I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Such a declaration ought to make us sit up and take notice. We are important to God.
When we are called, as in tasked with an assignment, remember that we are God’s people on whom he has placed his seal. Let us then answer promptly, and with confidence, knowing that he who began a good work in us will perfect and complete it until the day Christ returns (Philippians 1:6).
PRAYER: Ever-calling God, teach us to listen for your voice amid the strident sounds of this busy world. Remind us that we are yours, and that you call us by name. Make us obedient to your voice and receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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