I can say myself that I never did anything which was a blessing to my fellow creatures without feeling compelled to do it. I thought of going to a Sunday school to teach. On a certain day, someone called–asked me–begged me–prayed me to take his class. I could not refuse to go. And there I was held hand and foot by the superintendent and was compelled to go on. I was asked to address the children. I thought I could not, but no one else was there to do it, so I stood up and stammered out a few words. And I recollect the first occasion on which I attempted to preach to the people–I am sure I had no wish to do it–but there was no one else in the place. And should the congregation go away without a single word of warning or address? How could I allow it? I felt forced to address them. And so it has been with whatever I have laid my hand to. I have always felt a kind of impulse which I could not resist, but moreover felt placed by Providence in such a position that I had no wish to avoid the duty and if I had desired it, could not have helped myself.

–Charles H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Sermons, 1:139, “The Church of Christ, ” delivered June 3, 1855. Quoted in Tom Nettles, Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, there will be times you put us in places that compel us to do your work, even if stepping out brings much fear and trepidation. In your sovereign work, we rest in the fact that nothing catches you by surprise, but that your Kingdom plan to plant the seeds of Christ in hearts and minds is always in effect. May we take advantage of the opportunities you bring us and make much of Jesus. In Christ’s name. Amen.