Here I Am

Isaiah 6:8 – Then 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." (NASB)

More than twenty years ago, God impressed my heart with this verse, and I answered Him just like Isaiah did: "Here am I. Send me." I saw my future as prophet-like. Using my words, my books, and my speaking engagements, I would speak Jesus into people's lives so that they could choose to follow Him.

"Here I am, Lord. Send me." And He has — into the places where no one wants to go: into doctors' offices and waiting rooms, into CAT scan units and operating theatres, and into the valley of cancer scares and check-ups.

I didn't like it there. I wanted out. This week, after one more call from one more surgeon, I finally got it! While I was thinking only of books and big public appearances, God was thinking of my entire life!

"Here I am, Lord! Send me! — to wherever You choose! — so that my life can speak Jesus into the lives of people who are in scary and difficult situations, and who may then choose to follow Him!" No matter what our circumstances today, God has a bigger plan. We have the privilege of showing others how we live as we do — in peace — no matter what.

Prayer: Father God, holder of everything holy, including us, we reach into today, expecting You to meet and sustain us, in joyous expectation of our future with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.