Isaiah 49:2-4

2The message that he gave me to speak was like a sharp sword. He kept me safe in his hand. He made me like a sharp arrow that he keeps safe and ready to use.

3He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel. Because of you, I will cause people to know that I am great.’

4I said, ‘My work has been useless. I have worked hard with no results.’ But the Lord will do what is right for me. He will give me what I deserve for my work.