God is Calling

By Cheri Cowell –

There are days when my phone simply rings off the hook, and it seems as though everyone I know is calling. On days like these I remember my Mother saying, “I’m going to change my name” in response to my sister and me calling her for the fifteen-millionth time. How many times were you called today? One thing is certain; God was calling you. God is calling each of us every day, and He patiently renews that call day in and day out until we finally hear His voice and answer the call. What is He calling you to? The call is different for each of us. For some, He is calling them to accept Him as Savior; for others, He is calling them into a deeper relationship. He might be calling some, asking whom shall I send, and still for others He may be calling them into a new mission and purpose for their life. And for some, He’s calling them home. God is calling, and He is calling you by name.

Chapter 42 of Isaiah ends with a description of God’s sorrow over Israel becoming blind and deaf to His calling. Then Chapter 43 begins with God saying, in spite of Israel’s great sin, He will show them His grace and love by restoring them to a place of honor—calling them by name as His chosen people. If God can do this for the very people He had chosen to bear His Son’s birthright, and who were turning their back on Him, He can do the same for you. No matter what you have done, God is still calling you by name, making you His own child, and giving you a special purpose to fulfill in His name. Wow! What a call.

PRAYER: I Praise You, God, for Your tender mercy toward me. Thank You for giving me a special role to play in advancing Your kingdom here on earth. Help me hear Your voice more clearly and to answer Your call with a hearty send me!

“But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com