"Calling"

All the things I didn’t do,

Your call was given me,

But I was stuck in lesser things,

And wanted to be free.

I wanted what I wanted,

The thief stole much from me,

He took and killed and, yes, destroyed,

I let him, don’t you see.

So I come with my regrets,

And all that wasted time,

And wonder if it is too late,

To ever work out fine.

I can’t apologize enough,

I’m willing to get low,

But penance is a heavy stone,

To carry as you go.

I hear You say, “Forgiven,”

I hear You say, “Restored,”

I hear You say, “Son, welcome back,”

“You’re pardoned by the Lord.”

But of all the things You say to me,

The thing that means so much,

Is all my gifts and calling,

Are insured by Your touch.

Once ever called and gifted,

It can never be undone,

For those who truly love the Lord,

And surrender all, not some.

God is always faithful,

Jesus Christ always the same,

We can count on His blessing,

And the power of His name.

“For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn…” (Romans 11:29, NLT)

So God calls and gifts all of us, but we don’t always cooperate. When we finally do, we wonder if we’ve ruined what God originally intended for us to do. Plan B, maybe? But some of us have failed so much and so often we’ve about exhausted the alphabet! So how do we deal with our regret for wasted time and opportunities? We have to turn these thoughts and emotions over to the Lord, and realize He does not withdraw His gifts and calling. They are “without repentance.” The offer hasn’t expired just because our disobedience makes us tardy. It’s the same, and it’s not because of us but Him. He is faithful, the same yesterday, today and forever. As long as there is a heartbeat it’s not too late. You’re still in the game, so get in it.

Lord, help us realize that You have not given up on us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.