Media

July 21, 2016

To Serve or Not To Serve

 A Heart To Hear

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

The British teacher Oswald Chambers points out something unique about Isaiah’s call from God: God did not direct His call to Isaiah—Isaiah overheard God saying, “Who will go for Us?” Somehow Isaiah overheard the counsel of God concerning a need for someone to prophesy to Israel. God didn’t say, “Isaiah, go for Me.” Instead, Isaiah heard the need and recognized it as something God had prepared him to do. Thus his response, “Here I am. Send me.” 

A willing heart is the first step in finding God’s will in our lives. We cannot expect God to force us or to plead with us about the calling in our lives. In Mark 1:17 Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Their response? Immediately, they left there nets and followed Him. Willingness, openness, receptivity, a listening heart— these are the prerequisites for determining the call of God.

IF you want to serve God, immerse yourself in prayer and Bible study with a heart that is ready to hear what you know you must do. Remember, God will never force you to do anything for Him. But when we really understand what He has done for us, the question changes. Not, should I give my life to serve Jesus, but how can I not give my life to serve Jesus?!

I realize not everyone will leave their jobs (nets) and follow Jesus. Honestly, I sincerely believe that you can follow Jesus and live a life that pleases Him right where you are because God has you right where He wants you. Yet, I totally believe that there are many people in our community and the communities around us that are NOT where they are supposed to be. Why? Lots of reasons: fear of losing out, fear of messing it up, lack of faith, greed for worldly possessions, sometimes flat out disobedience. But I've lived on both sides and I can honestly say with every fiber of my being that the ONLY security is following Jesus. What this world has to offer is temporary and 2nd rate at best! Get out of the boat, my friends! Get out of the wading pool and let's get out there where Jesus is and where He wants to take us. There's nothing like it and you'll never regret it. I promise and so does He!