JOHN 8:25–30
“The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him”
(John 8:29).
When God calls you to a particular task, ministry, or situation you can be confident in that calling. We find examples of this kind of confidence in the life of Christ, in the life of King David, and in the lives of the prophets. Each stood before severe opposition because they knew God had called them. Jesus stood confidently before the Pharisees, declaring the Word of God with boldness and resolution. David spoke with confidence before kings because he had been commissioned by God Himself. Isaiah, Elijah, Daniel—they faced difficult and dangerous obstacles as they carried out God’s will for their lives, but they always found strength in the Lord, for He was the One who called them.
This does not mean that fulfilling your calling in file will always be easy or even desirable. Jonah ran from his commission before God finally humbled him and taught him that His mercy extends to those beyond the nation of Israel. Elijah was afraid of the wicked vengeance of Queen Jezebel. And Jeremiah wept as he warned his people against impenitence. As you can see, you are in good company when it comes to dealing with the difficulties of your calling. But despite the struggles, you can still fulfill your duties with joy if you keep in mind that your service is always for the glory of your blessed Lord.
We can also find joy in knowing that God is always with us. Jesus was comforted by His Father’s presence. Those whom God has called to perform a certain task—in this case it is a call to His Son to be the Mediator—can be certain that He will be with them. God does not call us to a particular task to abandon us or to leave us struggling on our own He has promised never to leave us, and He will always strengthen us for the task He has given.
In response, our duty is to do what is pleasing to Him. If He has called you to be a minister, do your duty according to His, commandments. If He has called you to be a mother, a teacher, a missionary, or a single Christian fulfill the mandates of that calling in holy obedience. No matter who opposes you, no matter the taunts and jeers, remain steadfast in your calling and be comforted that your Father in heaven will never leave you.
CORAM DEO
2 Chronicles 7–9
John 13:1–17
The word “pleasing” is used most often in reference to sacrifices (Lev. 2:9; 3:16; 12:3). How can your life be pleasing to God? Read and meditate on Psalm 19:14, Romans 12:1–2; 14:17–18, and Hebrews 13:21. Thank God for His provision of the grace to obey and pray for the faith to prize obedience rather than sin.
For further study: Num. 27:12–23 • Ps. 118:6–7 • Prov. 15:26 • Col. 1:24–29
tuesday
june