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
There is an old gag where the army troops are lined up for roll call; everyone steps back except for one unsuspecting person when the sergeant asks for a volunteer. Or you may have experienced being volunteered for something an unwilling appointment by someone in charge. In either of these cases, you end up doing something against your will and may resent the task.
God calls for volunteers every day. There is much work to be done, and he offers us many opportunities. However, he desires willing participants—those wishing to respond with enthusiasm and love merely because he asks. We experience growth in our faith and spiritual maturity when we accept and receive the great joy of responding to God's grace. May that we all react quickly with the eagerness of Isaiah, "Here am I. Send me!”
God of grace, we give thanks for opportunities to serve. We confess we sometimes ignore your call. But in declining, we miss out on your joy and the chance to grow in our relationship with you. Please forgive us and help us acknowledge your voice and respond with sincere obedience. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
