I answer your calling.

 I Answer Your Calling

A Reflection on Isaiah 6:8 and Matthew 4:19

I answer Your calling—not with hesitation or delay,

Not with excuses whispered, not with turning away.

You have called my name in the stillness, in the rush, and in the crowd,

And though my voice may tremble, I will speak Your name aloud.

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!” (Isaiah 6:8)

I answer Your calling—not because I am qualified or strong,

But because You who call are faithful, and to You my life belongs.

You called fishermen from their nets, a tax collector from his booth,

And You called a persecutor to proclaim Your saving truth.

I answer Your calling—to love, to serve, to go,

To speak good news to the broken, to let my witness flow.

Not to a distant mission only, but to the everyday,

To the neighbor and the stranger, to the one who's lost their way.

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)

I answer Your calling—in the small and in the great,

In the quiet act of kindness, in the standing at the gate.

Wherever You lead, I will follow. Whatever You ask, I will do.

Not in my power, but in Yours, Lord. I answer. I trust. I pursue.

So here I am. I have heard Your voice.

I have made the choice. I will rejoice.

I answer Your calling, Lord. Send me. Use me. Mold me.

I am Yours. Amen.