Here I Am, Send Me: Embracing God's Call with a Blank Check

In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But what if we could tap into a source of strength and purpose that transcends our earthly circumstances? What if we could find the courage to say "yes" to God's call, no matter where it might lead us?

The story of Isaiah's encounter with God in Isaiah 6 provides a powerful template for how we can respond to God's invitation in our own lives. It all begins with a vision of God's holiness - a glimpse of the Divine that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Isaiah sees the Lord "seated on a high and lofty throne," surrounded by seraphim crying out "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of armies. His glory fills the whole earth." This encounter with God's majesty shakes the very foundations of the temple and fills it with smoke. It's a scene of unparalleled grandeur and power.

But what's truly remarkable is Isaiah's response. Instead of basking in the glory or feeling privileged, he's immediately struck by his own unworthiness. "Woe is me," he cries, "I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips."

This conviction of sin is a crucial step in our spiritual journey. When we truly encounter God's holiness, we can't help but see our own flaws and shortcomings in stark relief. It's uncomfortable, even painful, but it's also necessary. Because it's only when we recognize our need for grace that we can truly receive it.

And receive it Isaiah does. One of the seraphim flies to him with a burning coal from the altar, touching it to Isaiah's lips and declaring, "Your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for." This act of divine cleansing prepares Isaiah for what comes next - God's call.

"Who will I send?" the Lord asks. "Who will go for us?"

Isaiah's response is immediate and unequivocal: "Here I am. Send me."

This moment encapsulates the essence of a life surrendered to God. It's a blank check, offered without conditions or reservations. It's saying "yes" before we even know what we're saying yes to.

But how many of us are truly willing to pray this dangerous prayer? How many of us are ready to write that blank check with our lives?

Too often, we're more like Jonah, who ran in the opposite direction when God called him to Nineveh. Or we're like Moses, who tried to argue his way out of leading the Israelites, saying "Here I am, send someone else." We come up with excuses, we set conditions, we try to negotiate with God.

But what if we embraced the spirit of Isaiah instead? What if we allowed ourselves to be so transformed by God's holiness and grace that our only response could be "Here I am, send me"?

This isn't just a one-time decision. It's a daily surrender, a constant willingness to be used by God wherever and however He sees fit. It might mean stepping out of our comfort zones, facing our fears, or leaving behind the familiar. But it also means stepping into a life of purpose, adventure, and divine partnership.

Consider the story of David Wilkerson, a young pastor in rural Pennsylvania in the late 1950s. When he read about a brutal gang murder in New York City, he felt God calling him to help these troubled youth. Despite his initial resistance and fears, Wilkerson eventually said "yes" to God's call.

His obedience led to the founding of Teen Challenge, an organization that has since helped countless young people overcome addiction and find faith in Christ. What began as one man's willingness to say "Here I am, send me" has blossomed into a worldwide ministry with over 1,000 locations.

This story reminds us that when we make ourselves available to God, He can use us in ways we never imagined. Our "yes" to God might not lead us to start a global ministry, but it will certainly lead us into a life of greater purpose and impact.

For some, saying "Here I am, send me" might mean becoming a missionary in a foreign land. For others, it might mean being a light in their workplace or neighborhood. It might mean volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring a young person, or simply being more intentional about sharing God's love with those around us.

For fathers, it might mean embracing the call to spiritual leadership in their homes, even if past relationships have been strained. It's never too late to say, "Here I am, send me to my family."

The key is to cultivate a heart that is constantly open to God's leading. This comes from regularly encountering God's holiness through worship and His Word, allowing ourselves to be convicted of our sin, and experiencing the transformative power of His grace.

When we live with this posture of availability, we begin to see opportunities for service and ministry all around us. We become more attuned to the needs of others and more willing to step out in faith to meet those needs.

As we close, let's challenge ourselves to add this prayer to our daily lives: "Here I am, send me." Let's write that blank check to God, trusting that He will use us for His glory and the good of others.

Remember, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He's not looking for perfect people, but for humble and repentant hearts willing to be used for His purposes.

So today, in view of God's holiness and the transforming power of the gospel, let's make ourselves available. Let's say with Isaiah, "Here I am, send me." Because when we do, we open ourselves up to a life of adventure, purpose, and divine partnership that far exceeds anything we could plan for ourselves.

Are you ready to write that blank check? Are you willing to say, "Here I am, send me"? The world is waiting, and God is calling. How will you respond?