Who Will Answer the Call?
Rev. John Ensor
Every year, a very special event is held - the “Spring to Life” Gala for Coastline Women’s Center, a crisis pregnancy and family support ministry in Horry County, South Carolina. Coastline supporters gather to celebrate what has been accomplished - mothers who made the courageous choice to parent, lives surrendered to the Lord, parents growing in their abilities to nurture their child, testimonies given to help others, mothers being cared for by mentors, and staff and volunteers giving of themselves for the cause of Christ. There is always a theme, and the one for 2024 reminds me of…
A little child. Think about what he seeks. What makes him happier than anything else? There is something so precious about this little child’s nature. He is ready to listen and to soak in knowledge and wisdom. He is eager to answer with his full attention when parents offer direction. This little child knows that there is a key in listening as he is taught to sweep the floor, follow the recipe for baking cookies, bait the hook, to hammer the nails for the bird house, to plant tomato plants. From his little hands, he is almost desperate to expend the amount of effort it takes to complete a task well - work that will be pleasing in our sight. Finally, he waits, with his eyes looking to us and his heart open. He is waiting for validation - for that word assuring him he “did it right”, he accomplished something pleasing to us, that he brought us joy. Do we listen to our Father with the same intention?
Luke Smith and Pamela Cannon Cook
In the Bible, we find a passage teaching about a child who is sensitive to the voice of wisdom - from both man and from God. The child was Samuel, and the account is referenced in 1 Samuel 3:1-11, where we read:
1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.
9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
It is not most important to read further about what is to come. What IS very important, in this context, is that Samuel was eager to listen. He was obedient. Samuel would have been ready to hear if God had wanted to use him. This reminds me of a song:
Carter and Jeannie Smith
Coastline Women’s Center Board
Guests at the Gala are moved by a testimony
‘Lord, what would you have me do?' recorded at Stealth Recording Studio.
Words and music by Ruth Campbell Copyright 25th June 2021.
Lord, what would you have me do?
Show me your ways.
This unrest, this discontent, is this from me or you?
Use me where I am, help me try my best
Lord, help me serve you with my life, my all.
Only then will I find rest.
Lord, where would you have me go?
Show me your ways.
Guide me, teach me day by day
so your path I’ll know.
Humble me, Oh Lord, take away my pride.
Lord, may my confidence be found in you,
on your strength may I rely.
Coastline Staff
Another testimony moves attendees
As we consider this, let’s remember the little child - ready to listen to the direction to learn to sweep, to bake, to fish, to construct or to plant something. No matter the situation, he is simply looking for guidance from one he looks up to. It is so natural for that child to turn his ear toward the one he knows has wisdom and knowledge. Why can’t we do the same when we have ready access THE One who holds all wisdom and knowledge, imparting it to us if we would but ask Him.
A call to action…
At the Coastline Gala, the keynote speaker, Rev. John Ensor, challenged attendees to “Answer the Call”. God is calling for us to be the hands and feet for ministries like Coastline. Like the little child, like Samuel, will we be tender to the call of Jesus to be advocates for the unborn and for their parents?
Blessings ~
Lisa