A commitment to God’s purposes brings its challenges. Consider Jesus,
The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.
Isaiah 49v1
Jesus was called at conception with an announcement by an angel. That calling set the Father’s purpose for his life. It gave an assurance that the Father had all in hand.
He made my words of judgment … a sharp arrow in his quiver.
Isaiah 49v2
Jesus’ sharp arrows pierced many hearts but, those who were invested in prestige or wealth or power or theology could not humble themselves and admit that investment was in vain. They rejected his words with the shield of unbelief.
He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”
Jesus’ glory was the glory of being lifted up in humble obedience on the cross. For that, ‘God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.’ (Phil 2)
I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.
Isaiah 49v4
At the end of his three year ministry Jesus’ investment seemed in vain. Most had abandoned him. What had he achieved of the Father’s original purpose? How many hearts had been touched?
Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”
The Father’s purposes are fulfilled and his glory realised as I do what he asks and leave the results to him. He is the only one who can see the impact on the heart.
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Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash