God is calling …
The prophet, Isaiah, writes of a messianic promise … God’s calling in righteousness the one who would become the new covenant and set the captives free.
Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” ~Isaiah 42: 5-7
Just as Christ was called …
[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time … ~ 2 Timothy 1:9
God is calling … the poet writes … ‘his’ plan is best …
Thy plan is best, though it may not agree
With my conceptions of my needs and rights,
And faith may fail to scale its azure heights;
Yet still I trust, and leave my cause with Thee.
With single eye I sought to do Thy will.
I felt Thy smile and left results with Thee;
If they have failed, then that is naught to me—
I did my part, and am Thy servant still.
The hearts of men are in Thy mighty hand;
Naught is concealed from Thy all-searching sight;
Canst Thou not turn them to the left or right?
The raging ocean calms at Thy command.
The aching clay may circumscribe my sphere;
Yet in confinement I may labor still
In work which harmonizes with Thy will,
And e’er rejoice to have my Master near.
Thoughts of Thy love will yet remain with me,
And in my silent hours may shape assume,
And by their measures help to lift the gloom
Of this dark world, and bring men nearer Thee.
Whate’er may come, I will not, Lord, complain;
My plan is Thine, I have no other choice.
In work or rest ’tis meet I should rejoice;
Contentment in my lot is blessed gain.
~ J. H. Chant
God is calling … our response … Yes, Lord … your plan is best!
