I heard the Lord asking...

 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:6)

Who should I send...

Those words speak volumes in terms of God seeking individuals he may use for his purposes on this earth. Some will be spokesmen; others will lead with courage in the midst of battle. A few will be called to take leadership of others who seek him will all their heart. Yet, the vast majority of us will simply be called to lead our everyday, ordinary lives, with conviction, passion, and purpose - being positive examples of God's grace to a hurting world. Our "call" may not seem significant in the eyes of the 'mighty' or 'famous', but it is backed by his power, so let the world watch as we fulfill it!

Here I am...send me...

The heart must be willing to be sent - to acknowledge and accept his desires as supreme over our own comfort. Yet not every 'calling' of the Lord is 'uncomfortable' or 'hard'. Some will enter into their calling with ease simply because they see where their lives 'fit' in terms of God's placement and purpose. This is true of all who will trust him with all of their steps, but if we struggle to believe he could use us at all, we might just find those first steps into obedience a little difficult. Why? We aren't confident in his ability, so we doubt ours, as well. The truth is, God doesn't 'pick' us for our ability as much as he does for our availability to him!

I heard the Lord asking...

That is where it all begins - he speaks, then we choose how we will answer. Maybe the one he 'sends' is the one who is attentive to his voice. If we want to be used by God, in whatever way he purposes for us to be used, we must be attentive when he calls. The Lord isn't going to give us a 'blueprint' of some well-ordered plan for our lives and then we just 'follow it' to the letter. He is going to unfold his purposes little by little, requiring us to take one step in faith one right after another. His purposes for us require obedience, faith, and trust. A willingness to hear leads to the action of taking that first step. The faith we have been given is enough to lead us on a long journey of trust (absolute confidence and surety in his presence with us). We just need to take the first step. Just sayin!