Answering the Call

10/12/2024

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ “
- Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Today we find a powerful moment of personal surrender. Isaiah has just experienced a supernatural encounter with God, a vision of His holiness, majesty, and glory in the temple. In response to God’s overwhelming presence, Isaiah realizes his own unworthiness, (sound familiar) but God graciously cleanses him. Then, God asks, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah doesn’t hesitate; he steps forward and says, “Here am I. Send me!”

This moment reveals two crucial aspects of our faith: God’s call and our response.

Recognizing God’s Call

Isaiah wasn’t seeking out a task or mission when God called. He was simply in the presence of God, worshiping and witnessing His holiness. Often, we think God will call us in moments of intense preparation or when we feel ready. But, like Isaiah, God calls us when we least expect it. The key is being spiritually sensitive and ready to hear His voice.

Have you ever had a moment where you felt prompted by God to act? Maybe it was a nudge to speak to someone who was hurting, or an opportunity to serve where you didn’t feel equipped. God’s call is not always a booming voice; it can be a quiet, persistent feeling that draws you toward action.

Responding with Availability

Isaiah’s immediate response is notable: “Here am I. Send me!” He didn’t ask for the details of the mission or request time to prepare. He simply made himself available. Too often, when we sense God leading us, we hesitate. We might feel inadequate, unprepared, or fearful of the unknown. But Isaiah’s response teaches us that the most important thing isn’t our ability—it’s our availability.

Consider the story of Moses. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses initially resisted, citing his lack of eloquence and confidence. Yet, God used him mightily. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.

Stepping Out in Faith

Isaiah didn’t know what the future would hold when he said, “Send me,” but he trusted God. Like Isaiah, we may not know what’s ahead when we respond to God’s call. We may face challenges, rejection, or uncertainty. But God promises to be with us every step of the way. Our job is not to foresee every outcome, but to trust the One who holds the future.

A modern example of this faith in action is a missionary who leaves behind a comfortable life to serve in a foreign land, trusting God to provide. Or, it could be the single parent who, despite the overwhelming demands of life, volunteers in the community because they feel God’s tug on their heart. In either case, these individuals may not feel fully prepared, but they step out in faith, trusting that God will lead and strengthen them.

Is there a place in your life where God is calling you to say, “Here am I. Send me”? Maybe it’s in your workplace, your family, your church, or your community. God’s call doesn’t always lead to a faraway mission field, it could be right where you are. The question is: Are you ready to respond?

Take time today to pray and ask God to reveal where He is calling you to serve. Like Isaiah, be willing to say, “Here am I. Send me,” and trust that God will provide all you need to fulfill His purposes.

Lord, thank You for Your grace and the privilege to serve You. Help me to be sensitive to Your voice and ready to answer Your call. Give me the courage and faith to step out in obedience, trusting that You will guide and equip me. Use me for Your glory, wherever You send me. Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign