On-Call
Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NIV)
Anyone who has worked in any type of service industry, utility, public safety, medical profession, or many other careers understands the concept of being on call. Just in case you're not familiar with the concept, it refers to when your employer can contact you at any time of the day or night, during what would typically be your off time, to come in and assist.
The assistance might be required to respond to an urgent issue that can't wait until business hours. These are time-sensitive, urgent requests that can't be pushed off until later. If you're fortunate, it may come with comp time or some other monetary benefit for the interruption. Otherwise, it could simply be your reasonable service.
Similarly, as our jobs may call us from time to time to resolve a problem, our reasonable service to God is to be available when He calls us. God may position you to be on call for your fellow man. This may come in the form of supporting a relative or friend during a rough season, volunteering to help people who are less fortunate, or serving at your local church in an auxiliary. We need to be willing participants, and God will give you what you need to accomplish the task.
A familiar figure in the Bible, one we all learned about in Sunday School, had a huge on-call position. Noah is a powerful example of long-term obedience. God called him to build the ark and gave detailed instructions. Scripture does not tell us exactly how many years Noah spent constructing it, but the task clearly required sustained faithfulness before the day came for Noah and his family to enter the ark.
Genesis 7:13 explains how Noah, "On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, together with his wife and the wives of his three sons, entered the ark." He didn’t have time to waste. The call to get on the ark that Noah built was urgent. He couldn’t wait until tomorrow; it was a call to action that required immediate attention. When the flood came, God preserved Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives through the ark. Genesis emphasizes Noah’s righteousness and obedience, and Hebrews 11:7 describes him acting by faith. Noah did not save humanity by his own power; God provided the means of rescue and Noah faithfully obeyed what God commanded.
When you are called to action, no matter how great or small the task may seem, keep in mind there is a greater purpose unfolding in the background that you may not understand. You don’t need to understand it to act. You simply need to heed the instructions and accomplish the task.
Think about being on call like this. Being on call is a blessing. Why? Because it means we have something to offer, rather than being in need. That is the blessing of being on call. If we are helping or serving, it means we have the ability and capacity to do so. God is always available and on call for us. How much more should we commit ourselves to God’s purpose?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to be on call for your purpose and to assist where I am needed. I know that when you call me to act, I should response. Help me to fulfill Your purpose and calling without delay. No matter the task, help me to carry out your plan without delay. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I pray that I serve you well. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.