Isn't this great? Isaiah's prophecies are such a profound revelation of the heart of our God! Today let's take some time to absorb chapter 48:1-15. It's a quick read so take your time and re-read it. There are some real nuggets here. What is God saying to you?
Several things are jumping out at me--how stubborn I can be, how frustrated God must get with me when I think I already know what I need to know without his input, the way he reveals new and hidden insights when I do listen, and again his awesome power to command all of nature much less the affairs of my life. I am especially thinking about this statement:
"I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission." (v. 15)
God is speaking specifically of Cyrus, King of Persia, that he was going to use to put an end to Babylonian tyranny and free his people. But the principle goes much farther than him.
God calls me to partner with him in his mission, too. He calls all of his children to work together and use their gifts and serve to bring a taste of his Kingdom to this world. We all have a calling. I have a calling from God. Sometimes I've been very tentative about pursuing what I feel he is calling me to do. I fear that I will fail. I think I don't have what it takes. I'm sure there must be someone more qualified. But he's calling me. He has spoken.
His promise is that if I will just accept his calling he will make sure that I don't fail in my mission. Now, my preconceived ideas of what "success" will look like as I pursue my calling may not be the same as God's. That's were disappointment sometimes comes in. But God is telling me that when he calls me to a task and I put myself into it as a tool in his hand, he will ensure my success. I will acomplish precisely what he intends. And sometimes the mission he sends me on may just be to do something profound in me.
Father, you have spoken. You have spoken to me. You have called me. You have given me a mission. Forgive my self-doubt and moments of discouragement or hesitation. The last thing I want to be is a failure. So I will gladly do what you have called me to do knowing that you will make me a success--at least a success in your eyes, the only eyes that ultimately matter. Thank you so much, God!
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More and more as I grow in the Christian life I am finding out that "His ways are not my ways, nor His thoughts my thoughts." However, as you said, it all comes down to "letting go and letting God." The outcome of endeavors as well as the answers to our prayers are so often not what we thought it would or should be! And yet, it all comes down to the bottom line...TRUST THE LORD and keep on following Him to the end of life. Then, and only then, will we understand. Thanks for your wonderful thoughts!
ReplyDeleteK. Bootsman