ARE YOU REALLY NOT CALLED?

Ryan serves the Lord as a church musician. His friend, Denis, serves as a caretaker for street children. Edi is not involved in any ministry. He says, "I am not called by the Lord to serve." Often those who are "idle" say the same thing. It makes me wonder. Is there really someone who is not called by the Lord to serve Him? If we may ask from another perspective, could it be possible that the Lord overlooks someone from His calling?

The Lord calls out, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" (verse 8a). Isaiah responds, "Here I am! Send me!" (verse 8b). Look, His call was not specifically directed at Isaiah. But Isaiah's ears heard it, his heart accepted it, and he declared his willingness. Afterwards, the Lord described his tasks to him (verses 9-10). That's how simple the story of Isaiah's ministry is. Until now, his story remains the same. The Lord is calling out to each one of us, asking who is willing to work for Him. If we open our ears, we will hear His call. If we open our hearts, we will say, "Here I am! Send me!"

Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). It's not that the Lord picks and chooses those He calls, but many people do not surrender themselves to be chosen by Him. Either their ears and hearts are not open yet, or their ears are open but their hearts are still closed. Let's open our spiritual ears and hearts. Isaiah welcomed his ministry when he, in a vision, witnessed the presence of the Lord (verse 1). Likewise, when we behold His presence, we will realize that we are also called by Him. Draw near to God, and we will understand His will to be done. --LIN/www.renunganharian.net