Response, Choices, and Consequences
The world often celebrates men through whom we see the tangible proof of God’s power and presence—those who manifest His glory in remarkable ways. As important and inspiring as this is, there is a significant element we tend to overlook: the personal response and willingness of these men to yield themselves to God.
The evidence of God’s glory in a person’s life is not only a matter of divine selection—it is a product of human response. God never imposes His will or intentions on anyone. He offers invitations, but it is up to the individual to respond. Every man must make a choice to walk with God, allowing Him to birth His mysteries and purposes through that life on earth.
Throughout Scripture, we read of men who housed and revealed the glory of God. Men like Abraham, Noah, Deborah, Mary, Joseph, and the apostles are celebrated because they reflected divine attributes and fulfilled God’s purposes. However, we often forget that what distinguished them was not just God’s calling, but their response to that calling.
They chose to partner with God. They responded in faith, obedience, and trust.
The gift of choice is a powerful and universal principle. God respects our free will. While He may stir up desire in our hearts and draw us near, He will never override our will. The decision to become custodians of the mysteries of God and instruments of His agenda is left to us.
Psalm 115:16 says, “The heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to the children of men.”
This verse highlights a divine order—God rules in the heavens, but He has entrusted the earth to mankind. Because of this, God will not act on earth apart from human agreement and participation. He has given us authority here, and for Him to operate legally in this realm, He partners with willing men and women.
Jesus demonstrated this principle when He appointed the twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14).
Two critical things happen when a man decides to partner with God:
1. Transformation through intimacy – “That they might be with Him.” God first calls us to Himself. In His presence, He forms us, builds character, and instils His values and vision within us.
2. Maturity for assignment – “And that He might send them.” Only those who have been with Him can be sent by Him. Being sent is not just about activity—it is the outcome of a refined, transformed life that reflects God accurately.
This process is also seen in Jesus’ words: “Come, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This is not merely a call to service; it is an invitation to transformation. For a fisherman to begin to “catch men,” pruning must occur. He must be trained, shaped, and equipped for a different kind of harvest.
Therefore, an essential part of saying “yes” to God is acknowledging that there are people—lives, generations, and nations—who are tied to our obedience. God has predetermined that your transformation will become a message and a lifeline for others. If we do not allow God to make us and then send us, those people may never have the chance to encounter God through us.
Remember, the difference between men celebrated both in history and in today’s world, and “ordinary” man is not God’s favouritism, but the willingness of some to respond and align with His will.
Our choices carry eternal consequences—not just for ourselves, but for everyone God has connected to our obedience.
Your response to God’s invitation today can become someone else’s salvation tomorrow. Choose to walk the path with God.