“But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’ “ Jeremiah 7:23
I can remember it like it was yesterday. I woke up feeling confused, but yet empowered, unworthy but yet ready. Ready for what? Ready to fulfill the call that God had suddenly placed upon my life. As the excitement of God choosing me to preach began to sink in, feelings of doubt, fear, guilt, and shame began to arise in my soul.
How can God call such a wretched person as myself? I was not ready or prepared to answer. I was angry and confused. Why? Because I felt I should have had some type of warning to get my life in better shape. My life was in shambles and my personal failings were staring me in the face.
But then I remembered the Apostle Paul. Paul was a persecutor of Christians. He once hated God’s people and set out to destroy them. But then he was called by God to become the very thing he so violently hated — a Christian who would spend the rest of his days delivering God’s Word.
Could that be me? Could Paul and I have some similarities? How could I love God when parts of my life were contrary to His word? Like Paul, I was on the road to destruction, but God redirected my path. Although I answered the call, there were many needed repairs that God was beginning to do in my life. I wasn’t ready for the challenge, but I most certainly was ready for the call.
Even if you don't feel worthy (which none of us actually are), how will you respond to God's gracious call today?
My heart chooses to answer Your Call. I repent of the times I’ve denied Your call. I choose today to walk worthy of the calling in my life. You have given me a new start and I thank You. I want to be in a place where my heart always says ”yes,” without question, doubt, guilt, or shame. It is my desire to always be obedient when you call. Amen.
Take Action
Have you been slow to say “Yes to God about something. Talk to Him about your feelings of insecurity or of not being qualified enough, and then say a firm “Yes” today.