Serving GOD When Called
When GOD calls you to accomplish His work, do you listen in obedience/faith and trust HIM? In Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Be still means to listen to GOD’s voice and not all the distractions in our head! If we have breath, then we have a purpose in GOD’s Kingdom. Praise GOD for the breath we have each day!
In chapter 6 of the book of Genesis, we find that Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time and he walked faithfully with God.
Genesis 6:13 states, “So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.”
God then gave Noah instructions to build the ark in preparation of the coming flood. Verse 22 states, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” He listened and served!
Exodus 3: verses 1-4, tells the story of Moses and the burning bush.
Exodus 3:1-4 “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So, Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up” When the Lord saw that he (Moses) had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush. “Moses! Moses!” and Moses said, “Here I am.”
Letting the Lord know that he was listening.
In verses 10-12 the Lord told Moses,
Exodus 3:10 “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you, that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Moses listened, obeyed, and served!
In February of 2020, by GOD’s grace, I was nominated and elected to the Faith Chapel Board of Directors. I felt unqualified, wondering, "who am I"? Perhaps in the eyes if man I was unqualified but I sure was “listening” and "obeying" when asked to serve.
That same month, I was nominated by the Board members to the position of Vice Chairman; again, thinking that I'm not qualified. I was entertaining thoughts like, "who am I to serve in this role"? But I faithfully said yes to what we all felt GOD was establishing.
Each of these steps were planned by GOD, for He knew of the things that would be occurring at our church and the leadership that would be needed to serve when called upon. So many times, I prayed for strength taking the words of:
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Engagement:
During this Intentional 21 period, and for 2024, LISTEN to GOD as He speaks! It’s not your strength, abilities or your brains He's after. It’s your willingness, availability, and FAITH to listen to the Holy Spirit each day. He's looking for those who will, despite their qualifications, answer the call of GOD and respond courageously to whatever He leads them into.
I encourage you to write down 3 things that you feel GOD may be asking you to do. They may be big or small, it doesn't matter. If you're able, begin working on one of those things at a time while asking GOD for help to accomplish them. Following through on simple acts of obedience. Perhaps it's to send a message to a friend who needs encouragement. Maybe to buy groceries for the person behind you in line. To start a Bible study or small group at church. To ask if you can pray for a family member or friend. It could be anything. Let GOD speak to you and then prepare to be obedient.
GOD gives His beloved children opportunities to serve His church, His Pastor and His Kingdom! The “yes” of today may seem small, but it puts into motion GOD’s plans for tomorrow.
Jeff MacArthur