A devotional by Kay Pflueger
“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)
My father passed away in 2003. One of the things I loved most about him was how he enjoyed making people laugh. During his hospital stay many years ago, a nurse came into his room and informed him that she needed to set up an IV for him. She politely asked him which arm he preferred that she use, and in his indomitable manner, he replied “Use his” as he pointed at my brother-in-law. That certainly got a chuckle from those in the room at the time!
In thinking about the above verse from Isaiah, I wonder how often we reply to the Lord in much the same manner. “Send him, Lord—not me” or “Let her do it—I am too busy” or “Use someone else—I am not qualified.” Even people we would consider heroes of the faith had their moments of hesitation when God called them to serve Him.
When He calls us, God does not accept our excuses. Let us look at Moses. I cannot think of a more visible way for God to get someone’s attention than through a burning bush. Moses realized who was speaking to him but still found all kinds of reasons to say no to what God was asking him to do. In Exodus 4:10 (NIV) we hear Moses say, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” God does not give up but rather tells Moses, “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” And how does Moses answer? He said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:12 NIV)
God did not let the hesitation from Moses sway him from the purpose He had chosen for him to fulfill. Moses focused on what he felt he lacked, but God rebuked him and told him He would be alongside him to help him use his voice.
There is a lesson in that for us. Too often we compare ourselves to others and judge that they are better equipped for what God has called us specifically to do. God does not expect us to do it alone. He does not call us and then turn His back and leave us to find our own way. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Just as with Moses, God will walk alongside us.
It is time to stop feeling guilty for what we feel we lack and to start being grateful for the gifts we have been given by God to use in doing His work. It is time to live out who God made us to be and to give up trying to be someone we are not. It is time to set aside our excuses.
It is time to heed His voice and to respond with “Here I am! Send me.” For some music inspiration to drive my message home, listen to this song by Rebecca St. James.
Let’s Pray: Father God, we have so many excuses for why we feel unqualified to do your work here on earth. Forgive our hesitation. Give us the boldness to say “Yes, I will go” when we hear your voice. Remind us daily that we do not walk alone. You are with us and will guide us as we step out in faith. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
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Author Bio:
Learning to read as a young child opened a world of adventure for Kay Pflueger. She came to realize that words can have a unique power and beauty.
When she is not spending time with her married son and three grandchildren, she is either reading, cooking, writing, or working on pursuing her Copyediting Certification.
Kay is an avid baseball fan who looks forward every summer to following her favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.
Kay is an active member of Victory Lutheran Church in her hometown of San Diego California.
She enjoys writing devotions to be shared on her church’s website and personal social media.
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Connect with Kay:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kay.m.pflueger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishsweetpea/
Kay, that was an encouraging post to remind us to say, "Yes," to God's call on our lives and trust He is holding us up in whatever He has called us to do.
ReplyDeleteJanis