Cancel That Call

Psalm 139:7-10 – "Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast."

I can't help being in ministry. I tried to get away before my ordination and failed. My principal at Knox College once said to me: "If you can picture yourself in any other profession, answering any other call with your life, then do it." I couldn't then, and I can't now, and 19 years later, I still feel compelled to preach.

I'm certainly not alone in my hesitation. Moses, Isaiah, Amos, the Psalmist who sought to flee to the uttermost parts of the deep, Jonah who sought to jump ship and set sail. Jeremiah, who brought out all the excuses, only to be told by God that this has nothing to do with you, or your age, or your ability, or your whatever. It has to do with God and God's will for you, and God's authority over you, and God's authority over this world.

You, too, are called or as Living Faith puts it: "We are called for a purpose: we have been predestined to be like Christ and to serve God."

Prayer: Eternal God, you follow us to the ends of the earth and call us back to your love and service. Help us recognize your presence in our lives today as we seek to fulfill our calling in Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.