Romans 11:29 says, “…for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable”. I really needed to hear this word from God today. It is so comforting to know that God’s gifts and call are irrevocable. There is so much that can be taken away from you in this world. So many in our day have lost jobs, marriages, hopes that they counted on; it’s nice to know that there is something that is irrevocable.

It’s not that God’s creation and people don’t behave in ways that would reasonably permit His gifts and call to be revoked. This scripture is taken from Paul’s discussion on the spiritual fate of the disobedient Jewish nation. All you have to do is read half of the Old Testament before you totally get that God is a compassionate and loving God and why all the earth shattering and fire and brimstone were necessary. In fact, you wonder how God could be so patient and loving and continually forgiving of such an obstinate people.

God has the power to revoke any and all gifts and calls, but He chooses to behave irrevocably in spite of our revocable behavior. I appreciated this word this week because I had been less than responsive to God’s call and gifts when I read this passage. It wasn’t a firm decision I made, rather subtle decisions that turned into a reality of ignoring God’s presence, call, or gifts in my life. I wouldn’t say that I made a decision to reject God’s call or gifts. You couldn’t see it from looking at me. I was still going about my life within the boundaries of “good Christian girl” living, but I slowly lost touch with the love of God. I was more set on the problems of my life and how to solve them myself. I was about the dreams I had and the way I wanted things to be. I was back to living my will, my way, for my purposes.

Then I came upon this gem of scripture and the reality stunned me. God knew that I wasn’t paying attention to Him. He grieved that I was so anxious and self-focused, yet He gave me a glimpse into His character to call me back, rather than using condemnation. That is the work of an irrevocable God.

All the cancellations, rescinding, repealing and invalidating that goes on in this world are not in keeping with the character of God. Revoking of promises is a result of sin. Even though God did grieve over making man by Genesis 6:6, He is not a God to revoke His creation. He never will, never would. Never.

I like the sound of the word irrevocable. It is strong and stable and constant. It speaks of character that I can trust. I too want to be irrevocable. I don’t want to take back my promises or not fulfill my gifts or call. With God’s help, I can. But even when I fail, God’s call and gift will remain irrevocable forever. What a great God we can know, love, and serve.

Have you had moments or long periods of your life when you were running from God? How did He prove Himself irrevocable to you?