Answering the Call.
Saul of Tarsus (whom we know as Paul) was on his way to Damascus, no doubt to continue his persecution of Christians and others. When he had reached the outskirts of the city he was suddenly and violently catapulted from his steed by a blinding flash of light. Dazed and frightened, he heard the voice of the Lord asking him, “Why do you persecute me?” Saul then asked the Lord, “What would you have me do?” The Lord replied, “Arise and go into Damascus and then you will be told what you must do.” Blinded as he was, his companions led him into the city.
In Damascus there lived a man by the name of Ananias, and the Lord called him and told him to find the man called Saul of Tarsus and lay hands on him so that his sight could be restored. On hearing this Ananias protested to the Lord, “Lord, you must be joking! We all know how this man has persecuted your people in Jerusalem. You want me to go and lay hands on him so that he can see again, no doubt so that he may carry on where he left off? No! Sorry Lord, not this time!” Then the Lord said to Ananias, “Don’t prevaricate, do as I ask of you, for I have chosen Saul as my vessel to work among the Gentiles, and Kings and Jews.” So Ananias relented and did as the Lord asked, and Saul’s sight was restored, and after a few days he began preaching about Jesus.
But suppose Ananias had flatly refused to do what the Lord had asked of him- would that have changed the course of history? And what of you- could you be the one the Lord is calling to a greater work than you can possibly conceive? Are you letting your hands cover your ears, endeavouring to block out that which you know the Lord is asking of you?
History is full of individuals who answered the call, and consequently changed the course of events throughout the world. Now, more than ever, our Lord needs those whom He has chosen to answer His call, to fulfil their destiny and shine His glorious light on an ever-darkening world. Don’t be afraid Mighty man/Mighty Woman/Mighty Youth, for you know that our Lord will never leave you nor desert you. He is with you in all you do and say, and though right now you may feel inadequate and unsure, when you finally say “Yes Lord, here I am!” He will guide you every step of the way.
Pray earnestly that you will be able to answer the call when it comes. The Lord is waiting with that grace and infinite patience for which He is so renowned. Do not hesitate one more day. The world needs to be lifted from its sunken state, and our Lord has chosen you as part of His wonderful plan for Mankind. It does not fall to all of us to be placed in such a wonderful and responsible position. Take hold of this opportunity laid before you. Do not live a life of regret and in years to come say “If only!”
To paraphrase slightly, Romans 8-30 says, “Whom He calls, He also justifies, and whom He justifies, He also glorifies.” Did our Lord not say many are called but few are chosen? Take hold of your destiny in both hands and answer the call of our Lord today!
J.J.Hickson
October 2009.
