Sent

Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

Throughout Christendom, there is a dearth of young people surrendering to go into full-time service for the Lord. It is not for lack of God calling them. For some, it is a lack of character, faith, and obedience.

Others have not been appropriately discipled, knowing neither Who it is that is calling or why. 

I have counseled many men and women whose lives are marred by sin who forsook the call of God, doing what they wanted instead of surrendering to the call of God. God’s Word tells us that His calling is without repentance.

Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

Every one of us has been given gifts and talents. Those gifts and talents are given to glorify God in a manner He has chosen. It is the reason we were purchased in the first place.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

God has allowed us to choose His way via free will. He does not, nor will He force us to do His bidding. I can speak from experience that I have no greater peace, joy, and happiness than being surrendered to God’s will for my life.

I can also tell you that the road to that surrender has been strewn with challenges, adversaries, and soul-searching revelations. I’ve been confronted with my own pride, selfishness, and laziness in areas I never thought I had. 

Some may say that because someone has a great singing voice, they should surrender to the music ministry. Using a given talent to glorify God is a good thing, But it may be that God chooses an area of weakness to glorify Himself.

The Apostle Paul was weakened by a messenger of Satan, sent to ‘buffet’ him. Some think it a physical challenge—others an outward oppressor or oppressors who followed him.

Though unclear as to what, we learn from Paul that he saw it as a way to remain humble so God would get the most significant amount of glory.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

The call may come to any who is desirous of serving with all their heart. But there are some things all are required to be and do as children of God.

We are required to be a ready witness.

1 Peter 3:15-16 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

We are commanded to live holy lives.

1 Peter 1:15-16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

One may ask:

“Where are the missionaries, evangelists, pastors, preachers, and teachers of today?”

Can it be that we first seek God in a personal, intimate relationship and then ask what He would have us do for Him? Then, when He answers, we can accept with a ready spirit and willing mind to do all that He would ask of us. 

Our will and our way cloud God’s. We just need to remove whatever stands in between. 

Some think for Isaiah, it was his relationship with the king. Once the king died, he was able to see God more clearly. 

When our heart’s desire is to please the Savior for the debt we feel we owe, then we can more clearly see our way clear to follow the path God desires to lead us.