Daily Devotional for July 14, 2022

Sam became a part of our church staff in the spring of 2019.  He’s our piano accompanist and the facilities coordinator.  This is a very rare combination.
 
What makes Sam even more unique is even though he is an incredible artist and can really make the piano sing, he doesn’t have an artistic temperament.  That’s right.  He’s a gifted musician with no inclination to be a prima-donna, which is a requirement to work at our church.  We don’t do drama.  That’s one of the things that makes Sam special. 
 
While I have been Sam’s biggest fan, I discovered he is very self-centered.
 
The other day, Sam walked into my office and explained while he had loved his time serving our congregation, he believed God wanted him to be an engineer.  I disagreed with what Sam thought God was telling him, but he refused to listen.  He had the same look on his face he does every Sunday during the sermon.  I knew I wasn’t getting through.
 
Sam has made up his mind.  He’s going to back to college to get an engineering degree.
 
This got me thinking.
 
I truly believe God brought Sam and his unique abilities to our church for a reason and a season.  Now God has called Sam to the next phase of his life.  This means Sam is leaving the familiar and secure for the unknown because that’s what God wants him to do.  And while I do think he’s being selfish and causing me the inconvenience of finding his replacement, I must confess he’s making the right decision.
 
Sam’s not alone.  Moses had the exact same experience.  He was in a comfortable, safe place, intent on raising sheep for the rest of his life.  Then Moses talked to a burning bush and realized God was calling him out of his comfort zone for a new purpose.  (Exodus 3:1-12)
 
In 1887, John H. Sammis and Daniel B. Towner wrote one of the most important hymns of our faith, “Trust and Obey.”  The refrain says it all: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
 
The psalmist said, “The Lord watches over those who obey him, those who trust in his constant love.” (Psalm 33:18)
 
What is God calling you to do?  It may be into the unfamiliar and uncomfortable.  That’s okay because whatever God has waiting for you in the future, God’s already in the future, waiting for you to get there.  All you must do is trust if God calls you, there’s a reason.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me hear, trust, and obey.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

As inconvenient as it is for me, Sam has heard God’s call for his life.  He’s decided to trust and obey.  
 
I hope you will be able to celebrate Sam’s wonderful service to our church at a reception on Sunday, August 7, following the 11:00 worship service.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins