Rise To The Call

Jeremiah 20:9
Over the years I have learned two fundamental truths regarding my Christian walk. First, I have been given a gift, and second, that gift is NOT public speaking. It is obvious that some people have been born with what I like to refer to as the 'gift of gab'. They have the blessed ability to speak on almost any subject, for any length of time, at any given moment. I, on the other hand, have what we in the ministry refer to as the non-gift of "Meaningful Babble." Simply, I mean to say something of great importance, but instead just babble. Okay, no one else in the ministry really says that. Nonetheless, it seems that no matter how much I rehearse, and no matter how detailed my notes, I simply cannot speak intelligibly in front of a congregation. I sometimes believe that my greatest praise to God would be to remain silent. However, regardless of my verbal ineptitude I continue to rise to the call every Sunday, for inside of me burns a fire I cannot quench; a fire that consumes me; a fire that must be heard. Even if what I speak sounds like foolishness to those who listen, I am convinced that the word of God will not travel forth without accomplishing its task (Isaiah 55:10-11); for His word is without a doubt living, active, and all powerful. This all consuming necessity to share the word of God was the conviction of Jeremiah when he wrote, "But if I say, 'I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,' his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary f holding it in; indeed, I cannot (Jeremiah 20:9)." The truth is that we are the result of some one else's voice, the fruit of another's labor. And fruit has but one function in life; to plant its seed elsewhere, and as a result bear more fruit. In light of my speaking difficulties all I can do is echo the prayer of David who wrote, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14)." Now, do not say, "Speaking is not my gift," for it is not a gift as much as it is a responsibility. Therefore, meet the challenge head on, and let the gospel be heard throughout all the earth. Preach it; write it; post it; sing it; or proclaim it from the rooftops, Jesus is Lord! Fall before your king, but rise to the call and let your voice be heard. [mp]

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Michael D'Urbano
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