Send Me

One of the ways God speaks most clearly to me is through His word. I make my habit of reading through the Bible yearly and each year God uses different scriptures to communicate to me. Over the years some scriptures have become standing prayers. One of those is [Isaiah 6:8]. Isaiah responds to God's desire to send someone by asking God to send him. 

I was at a camp ground in deep east Texas the first time I saw it. He spoke to me again through that passage at a different camp ground outside Amarillo, TX on a prayer retreat years later. Over the years it has resurfaced many different times and and in many different places. Sometime in devotionals, books, and even in music. One morning a few weeks ago that verse showed up three different times in three different devotions I used for that day. That has never happened to me before. It definitely got my attention. 

This morning David Jeremiah referenced that verse in his message on television. I was busy getting dressed and almost didn't notice it. When he spoke those familiar words from that verse I immediately paid attention. I thought to myself God is up to something. Someone gave me a picture of that verse that sits on the wall opposite my desk. I see it everyday. It is fastened right below the C.T. Study quote, " 'Tis only one life and 'twill soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last." 

That verse  and quote go along with the theme of my life to live surrendered to God and to His will. To go anywhere to do anything at anytime. Life is a grand adventure when you choose to live that way. I gladly surrender to Him. He knows far better than I do what is best. 

We should live as sent people. People who go and do what God leads. I am thinking of a young man from the Borden family. You may recognize that name from the Milk company. The young man was in line to inherit abundant wealth in the family business. Only, God had other plans. God called that young man to go on the mission field. His father told him if he followed through with becoming a missionary that he would not inherit any of the family fortune. 

The young man followed through and went on the mission field anyway. He was sent by God. Tragically he died only a few months into his service. Most thought it was a waste of life. It serves as a powerful example to how God calls people to live. Totally surrendered. Available to be sent. Following God where He sends does not always lead to prosperity and success. It does not always lead to accolades. God sends people down risky roads and painful paths in the fulfillment of His mission at times. 

Here is the real issue. Is what Jesus did for us on the cross enough motivation for us to give Him our yes no matter what He calls us to do? It most certainly is. Each of us should wake up daily wanting God to send us. It most likely will not be on the other side of the world. It might be for some. Most people being sent might mean a trip to visit a neighbor, a shut in, or to a hospital to visit someone. It might mean taking on the assignment of teaching a class or volunteering in some organization. For a select few, being sent might require uprooting and going to a new location like Abraham was called to do in [Gen 12:1-2]. 

None of that should matter. We are called to live on mission for Him. Called to do whatever He requires of us. He has the right to interrupt our lives and to call us to do anything He desires. We are required to obey by faith. He is constantly sending people to do His work. Are we willing to be sent?