Have you ever wondered why? Why did God put you in your family, your job or marriage or your church? Have you questioned Him or the place where He’s planted you? I have, especially when the circumstances aren’t particularly pleasing to me.
I mentioned last week that I have this inclination to run when the going gets tough… or even a little uncomfortable. I have dropped classes, quit jobs and given up on relationships. I have tried to abdicate my role as a wife in marriage. In the twelve years that my husband and I have worked together in ministry, I have even been tempted to resign that. There are times that the challenges get too much. I feel like I’m drowning in problems that I can’t fix. Recently I have felt like that. I’ve been fighting myself to stay in the game.
This morning my husband took our three older kids to school. Our two little girls were still snuggled in bed. So while I had a quiet moment alone I thought I’d go to my porch swing to have a morning chat with my Lord. The pages of my bible opened up to Isaiah 45:4. As if it were just for me, I read:
And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me?
I gasped for air. That was a blow. Immediately the tears started flowing. My Lord overwhelmed me with the truth that HE called me for this work when I didn’t even know Him yet. He planned this moment for me. He appointed me for our ministry when I was still a wandering sinner. Talk about humbling. I kept on reading.
And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. “Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the Lord, created them.
Not only did He call me for this work, He equipped me for it when I didn’t know who He was. Wow. And I want to quit? How can I quit on a God who does THAT for ME?
There may be challenges. There may be tests. There may even be trials of epic proportion. But it all comes from His hand. One day, I believe, the heavens will open for me and His righteousness will be poured out. I will no longer be overwhelmed with problems, but I will be overwhelmed by the love of a great and awesome God who is flooding me with salvation.
Thank you Father for that message today. I really needed it.
