Thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.–2 SAM. xv. 15.
It was undoubtedly music to David’s ears when his servants made this bold declaration. We, however, have an even greater king to please. As the servants of Christ we should be willing to say the same, and do so without complaint. Listen to these wise words from Frances Ridley Havergal:
If we are really, and always, and equally ready to do whatsoever the King appoints, all the trials and vexations arising from any change in His appointments, great or small, simply do not exist. If He appoints me to work there, shall I lament that I am not to work here? If He appoints me to wait in-doors to-day, am I to be annoyed because I am not to work out-of-doors? If I meant to write His messages this morning, shall I grumble because He sends interrupting visitors, rich or poor, to whom I am to speak them, or “show kindness” for His sake, or at least obey His command, “Be courteous?” If all my members are really at His disposal, why should I be put out if to-day’s appointment is some simple work for my hands or errands for my feet, instead of some seemingly more important doing of head or tongue?
If pleasing God is indeed our great desire we should not resent or resist what He commands. Our attitude should be like that of Isaiah–“Here am I; send me.”(Isaiah 6:8). It should not matter if the way be steep, or the waters be deep, or the work be hard, or the world be hateful. All that matters is that we be where God wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do. Pleasing Him is reward enough!
