“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 (New International Version)

In 2003, my father passed away after a short illness. One of the many things I miss and loved most about him was how much he enjoyed making people laugh. During his hospital stay those years ago, a nurse entered 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.

God’s voice in a burning bush you say???

Let us look at Moses in chapter three of the book of Exodus. 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 from within the flames, but still found all sorts of reasons to say “NO” to what God was asking him to do.

In Exodus 4:10 (NIV), he continues to plead with God: “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 relent but rather tells him: “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

And how does Moses answer?  “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:12 NIV)

Moses focused on what he felt he lacked. But God rebuked him with a reminder that He would be alongside to help him use his voice. God had a purpose for Moses and He was not to be swayed by Moses’s hesitation.

“Do not fear…”

There is a lesson in that for us. How often do we compare ourselves to others and judge that they are better equipped for what God has specifically called us  to do?

Like Moses, 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) assures us of this with these words: “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 He did with Moses, God promises to walk alongside us.

NOW is the 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.

…live out who God made us to be and to give up trying to be someone we are not.

… set aside our excuses.

… heed His voice and to respond with “Here I am – send me.”

 

Want to learn more about Moses and how God used him? Click here to read the story of the Exodus: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%201&version=NIV