You know God uses people in the strangest ways to carry out His will. Maybe I should say God uses strange people to carry out His will. After all, the bible comprises men and women chosen by God to exercise heavenly strength here on earth. Moses was a murderer. Paul killed a few Jesus lovers in his time. Rahab was a ‘ho’ and Jacob was, well, y’all know all about Jacob’s shortcomings. The point is that God uses the least of us to carry out His plan, despite what we think we’re capable of or are worthy of. Most prophets were reluctant participants in how God’s message for His people was delivered.
Most did not want anything to do with carrying the Word either because they didn’t think they were worthy, or they didn’t think the people would listen, or they didn’t feel the people were worthy of God’s blessing and deliverance in the first place. Whatever the reason, we should all be mindful that the hand of the Lord is at work where He deems it will do the most good. Regardless of what we think, anyone and everyone is a candidate for greatness in the eyes of the Almighty, including you; yes, even including me. I used to think that only those called to preach had the gift of ministry. Try telling that to anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and see how far that misguided thinking gets you. Slowly, I’ve come to accept that we all have a ministry according to the will of God. Neither economic status, social class, or educational attainment means anything if God says it’s your turn to do His bidding, carry His message, or let others see Him in you. One thing is for certain. You cannot refuse God when He comes a-knockin’. Just ask Moses, or Ezekiel, Isaiah, or even Jeremiah. More importantly, ask yourself, as I have lately, what are you reluctant to do in the name of God? Only you know if you’re in denial.
Only you know if you’re trying to convince God to choose somebody else. How long will it take you to realize, as they all did, that sooner or later, you’re going to do what God is telling you to do? You might want to get that conclusion before God stops asking you to do anything and starts telling you. You know God might take no as your answer and abandon you altogether. The prospect of that gives a whole new meaning to “When I say to a wicked man,’ You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil easy in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sins, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.” Ezekiel 3:18.
In this, do I now believe that the measure of your life and mine is how we respond to God’s call, not how hard we work, even if we somehow judge that work as benefiting others. We all must still obey according to what we’re called to do. The question is then, how do we
know when God is talking to us as opposed to someone or something else? I must confess that God will not allow Himself to confuse you. I believe He is talking all the time. The key for us is to make a deliberate and conscious effort to hear Him. That requires persistence and prayer. Together, listening becomes habitual. To all of you who hear what I’m trying to say, know I’m trying to hear God and each and every day. In doing so I’m obligated to share with you that maybe my job and my calling are to accept as a blessing this platform, use it as but another wonderful conduit for God’s will and continue to say very loudly and clearly that Jesus is Lord and if you also believe this, then you better tell somebody.
May God bless and keep you always.