Called
By Lexi Cole
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.”
Isaiah 43:10
I love the last song we’re singing in our choir concert this year. While musically, it’s stunning, it’s the words that cause me to worship - - they’re a prayer that ought to be our heart’s desire. The song is “Lord God, You Have Called Your Servants.” J. Aaron McDermid arranged it, but the words are the closing prayer from the Vespers Service in the Lutheran Book of Worship.
God has recently reminded me through this song of a simple yet profound truth: We are called.
Why is it that such an extremely essential fact is so easy to forget? As someone who has grown up knowing God since childhood, I think I often fail to remember that we are called by God to do His work…even when it doesn’t make sense to us…and even more so, I forget the power He provides to do what He’s called us to do.
We are called by a powerful God. One who is powerful enough to create the galaxy; powerful enough to overcome a chasm of separation by His work on the Cross. This mighty God, who’s powerful enough to use even ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory, has called us to be an active part of His Kingdom...often in ways that don’t always seem to fit our “timeline.”
We are called. We, in our finite and limited minds, don’t know how all the pieces work together. We don’t understand the “why.” But we have been promised that we are called by a God of infinite power who will never leave us or forsake us.
We are called to do things that don’t make sense, that defy our reasoning, that push us. But we are given the incredible privilege of being in relationship with a God who is with us, who loves us, who is powerfully molding us to be more like Him. Before the complications of life consume us today, may we be reminded of this closing prayer:
"Lord, God, you have called your servants
to ventures of which we cannot see the ending,
by paths as yet untrodden,
through perils unknown.
Give us faith to go out with good courage,
not knowing where we go,
but only that your hand is leading us
and your love supporting us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."[1]
GOING DEEPER:
1. To what venture has God called you - - in His power - - where you cannot see the ending?
2. Spend time alone with your God, stop the busyness, be still and listen. Where is the Holy Spirit calling you?
FURTHER READING:
[1] Click here if you want to listen to the song. This isn’t my choir but the publisher’s clip. Use it to worship as you pray this over your life today! http://www.morningstarmusic.com/mp3s/50-8951.mp3
Lexi is finishing her final semester at Bethel University as an Elementary Education major and planning her wedding with her fiancé, Andrew. She serves with Children’s Ministries at Oakwood.
