Some verses are underlined in my Bible, some have notes written in the margin, and others have dates. For instance, along with Jeremiah 1:1-12, I have 10/8/91 next to Galatians 2:5, which reads:
We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
These were the passages read over my late husband and me by the head of our sending organization upon our appointment to the mission field. When my eyes fall on them in times of reflection or Bible study, I am grateful for how they encouraged us to remain faithful in the task.
There is yet another one related to that sending, but this time it was read over us by my parents, as they planted a dogwood tree before we left for the field.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 NIV
We did go out with joy and had deep peace in following the Lord’s guidance into service. We witnessed the Lord soften hard hearts and restore hope to the hopeless.
If there is any one verse that always moves me and stirs in me a memory of his work in my life it is from Isaiah 6:8.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Maybe you’ve been on the field long enough to be war-weary and heavy-burdened by the vast lostness you face.
Go back to your verses of the call.
Maybe you are struggling with language, feeling worthless, or unsure of your abilities to accomplish his will.
Go back to your verses of the call.
Maybe you are ready to give up, but not completely sure of his will.
Go back to your verses of the call.
Maybe you have had to relocate due to a pandemic, war, illness, or organizational restructuring, and you’re unsure of the road ahead.
Go back to the verses of the call.
Why go back? Because his voice was in those verses that moved your soul and will to take that first step toward service. In reading them again, let him show you how far you’ve come by his grace and be reminded of what it takes to press on—obedience to his voice.
Rest in his Word, and let the Lord speak once again about the next step he requires. When you’ve heard him speak, write the date in the margin…for the next time.
Grace and Peace