While we continue to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe we have a great opportunity to represent Jesus well as we respond to God’s calling with a hearty, “Here Am I”!  Over the next 3 days I will continue sharing the devotions from my “Here Am I” book to help each of us pray about our response to God as He calls us to Himself.  Through time in prayer, this devotional journal was written to help you see and respond to God’s calling as you see Him working in your “everyday” life.

Here is day twenty-nine with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God because you are wanted by Him.

Called To Be Wanted

“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.“
Mark 3:13 (NIV)

Have you ever been left out of something that you really wanted to belong to?  How did you feel?  Why?  What does knowing you are wanted do for your attitude and sense of well-being?  How about when you don’t feel wanted?  Which feeling do you have most often?  Why?  What things make you believe you are wanted?  How can you help others to know they are wanted?  Do you often think about Jesus calling you to Himself because you are wanted by Him?  How does that make you feel?  How do you share that with others?

When Jesus began His ministry on earth, He called to himself those He wanted.  While some, such as the twelve disciples, are named, it becomes apparent throughout the gospels that He called many to Himself.  In fact, He called, and continues to call, all who are thirsty to come and drink from the well that never runs dry.  In the midst of your life, whether alone or in a crowd, Jesus calls you because He wants you to be with Him.  Living as one called to be wanted by God ought to help you know your true value.  As you join with all who are wanted by God, He equips you to help others know they too are wanted.

As you pray about being wanted by God, ask Him to fill you with confidence regarding His desire for you to be with Him.  Pray about how God would have you encourage those who feel unwanted.  Pray that being wanted by God would change not only the way you view yourself, but also the way you view others.  Pray for a heart that is changed by an awareness of being wanted by God.  Pray that your changed heart would help others to know they are wanted by God, and by you.

In prayer,

Tom