When you’re on call, anything can happen.
Of all the different jobs I’ve had, being a pastor was the only one that required being on call continuously. Always being on call is taxing, but it comes with the territory.
I’ve known others who were on call, but it was only for a limited time. My on-call duties were different. Since I had to be always available, I’ve had to postpone vacations, come home early from vacations, get up in the middle of the night to go to the hospital, or miss my children’s activities because of a meeting, wedding, or funeral. No complaints. I knew I’d have to hold these reins when I signed up. While one person can’t do it all, someone must be on call when members need assistance.
My mom also expects me to be on call when she beckons. A recent conversation went something like this:
Me: Hello.
Mom: Do you have company?
Me: Yes.
And then she proceeded to talk for fifteen minutes. I must admit—since this is typical for her—that I sometimes hit the ignore button when I see her name appear. Then I feel guilty. Perhaps something is wrong, and she really needs me.
God, on the other hand, doesn’t share the frustrations I sometimes fight against, nor does he ever hit the ignore button. He enjoys every minute of being on call. The psalmist knew this.
“I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me” (Psalm 86:5 NLT).
God is continuously on call because he wants to be. His love and concern for the people he created spurs him to answer our every beckon and call. He cares as no one else can. He exhibits love in its purest form.
God is also on call continuously because he can be. I may be on call, but there are some things that could prevent me from responding immediately. I may have to get up and get dressed. Not so with God. God’s characteristics allow him to be anywhere promptly.
People who are on call are because they have the knowledge and ability to respond to a particular need. God does as well. Regardless of what is wrong in our lives, He can repair it—spiritually, physically, or emotionally. He knows our needs even before we ever call and is more than willing to run to our sides.
Depend on God for all your needs. He’s always on call.
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash
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