Calling it Done! Before it is

I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done. J. Hudson Taylor

Marybeth Whalen, of Proverbs 31 ministry, has this quote on the bottom of her e-mail, and it spoke to my heart today. This is what I have been conversing with God about lately. Things have been seemingly impossible and difficult. I've been feeling like I can't get ahead. I don't want to self-sabotage what God has me starting.

I've been talking to God about how to DO this thing of "by faith". God is telling me He wants me Calling it out, and calling it done!! What is the it? The work He has called you to, the dream of your heart, the labor of your soul.

"He shall see the labor of his soul and be satisfied..." Isaiah 53:11

What this means may be better described in the Message version of this verse:

"Out of that terrible travail of soul,
he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
will make many "righteous ones,"
as he himself carries the burden of their sins."

Christ foresaw the results of His labor on the cross- He could see ahead that it was worth it to die as a ransom for our souls. Can you see ahead, in what you are laboring in, and can you see already- it's worth it?!

Calling it done- before it is done- is not a magic formula or a "health n wealth" pronouncement. Calling it done is walking out your calling with an eye toward the fulfillment, with a smile in anticipation of the reason for the work you do. He who has called you is faithful, and He will help you to do what He's called you to.

One of the most powerful sentences Christ ever uttered is "It is finished!" And it was completed- His death on the cross secured our eternal futures. But Christ knew it was finished even before He died on the cross, because He knew HE WOULD DO IT. He would go to the cross. He would obey the Father. He would see the labor of His soul and be satisfied.

The Rolling Stones sang "I can't get no satisfaction"- but let me tell you, I can. I will be satisfied to walk with Him, run when He says to, do it while trembling but do it afraid! I will see the labor of my soul and be satisfied that I gave my all for His Kingdom purposes.

I see it ahead, and it is finished.