When I read about the prophets who had to preach hard messages to the rebellious people of Israel and Judah, I don’t envy the job the Lord asked them to do. Ezekiel had to lie on his side and eat meager rations cooked over cow dung as an illustrated sermon to God’s people (Ezekiel 4). Jeremiah was threatened with execution and was thrown in a muddy cistern because the people didn’t like hearing his message of doom (Jeremiah 37-38). Isaiah was asked by God to walk naked and barefoot for three years while he declared his many woes against Israel, Judah, and the surrounding countries (Isaiah 20:1-6). Yet each of these men were called by God and were equipped to fulfill the unusual tasks that God had given them.
Living for the Lord is not always a cakewalk. While He has many perks and blessings to bestow on those who follow Him, He also gives each of His children callings and tasks to accomplish in their faith walk. These works not only strengthen us and help us grow, but they also help the Lord reach souls with the message that He wants the whole world to hear. He may not ask you to do something bizarre or embarrassing like one of the prophets had to do, but the Lord has called each one of us to do a special work for Him, and has put us in the place where we can fulfill that calling. He has also given us the skills and tools and spiritual gifts necessary to accomplish our goals. All that He asks you to provide is your manpower—your hands, your feet, your tongue, your whole being.
“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God Himself is speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)
What has the Lord called you to do? Is it a task that seems bigger or harder than you imagined? Don’t worry; He does not give more than we can bear. And He does not ask us to do these things on our own. He is ready, willing and able to come alongside you and help you with your work. Don’t get discouraged, neither be afraid. For if the Lord has called you, you can only succeed as you submit to His will. He will never let you fail if you trust Him and obey His instructions, no matter how strange or illogical they may seem at first.
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NLT)
Don’t complain or grumble about what God gives you to do. Thank Him and give Him glory for what He wants to accomplish in your life. And as you do all with the strength and energy that God supplies, your life will bring glory to God through Yeshua our Messiah who helps you fulfill God’s will for you.