Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
- Isaiah 6:8
Word of the Day
While driving home this afternoon, I heard a song that ministered, professing that “I’ll be the one” the Lord could trust. As the song continued I was taken by the simple truths of holiness being taught through the lyrics, so I began examining myself by the principles so beautifully sung. By the time I got home and checked my cell phone I had a lengthy text from a young lady who was struggling with her faith walk and desired to “do something” in the church. Frustrated, she was asking for instructions to know how to live godly in spite of her circumstances. Her life had been riddled with abuse, betrayal and abandonment from the time she was a very small child, so having faith seemed a distant reality for her. When I began to think about the best way to answer her questions I started thinking of the lyrics to the song I heard in the car. The message in the song related that God had an expectation to find someone who would give themselves fully, knowing that God could trust him. The songwriter declared he was in a good place with the Lord. He was aware that Holy Spirit living within him brought the desire to live holy. Because of His enabling power at work in our lives, we are able to think, speak, act and make choices that will give us victory while bringing glory to God’s name. After a while a connection was made with the young lady, she understood her faith walk required her to do something other than just expecting God to move for her. She acknowledged Holy Spirit’s conviction in her life and began confessing her sins.
The prophet Isaiah described an encounter he had with God. Being in God’s presence Isaiah was able to have a better image of himself, “I am a man of unclean lips…for my eyes have seen the King” (Is 6:5). Once he admitted he had issues an angel touched his mouth with a hot coal (Is 6:6-7) signifying God’s ability to make us clean. It was after Isaiah grew closer to God that he was able to have a more accurate view of himself. The same holds true for us today. After Isaiah recognized he didn’t measure up to God’s standard, he was open for change. God forgave him and removed the sin. It was then the Lord called him to service. I explained to the young lady that in order to bring glory to God in “doing something” in church she had to grow in developing a stronger personal relationship with him first. So often we find ourselves showing up for work before we get hired. By God’s standards, we are ready to be sent after we have been touched and changed.
Prayer
Father, I want to be more pleasing in your sight. Search my heart and my mind, show me my sinful ways. I ask you to forgive and purge me of all unrighteous thoughts, words, emotions, actions and plans. I stand knowing I’m not perfect, but know that my desire is to honor you in all my life. In Jesus name.