HERE AM I, SEND ME
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)
When I read Isaiah’s encounter with the Lord in Isaiah 6, I’m struck by both its beauty and its challenge. Isaiah stood in the presence of God’s holiness, His glory filling the temple, and it completely undid him. He cried out, Woe to me! I am ruined! because he saw his own unworthiness in the light of God’s perfection.
But God didn’t leave Isaiah there. In His mercy, God sent an angel to touch Isaiah’s lips with a live coal, cleansing him of sin and guilt. After that cleansing, Isaiah heard God’s question: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah didn’t hesitate. “Here am I. Send me.”
That same question still echoes today. God isn’t looking for perfect people. He’s looking for willing hearts. Sometimes I feel inadequate, fearful or unqualified to do what He’s asking. Maybe you’ve felt that way too. But the same God who forgives us also empowers us. When we say yes, He equips us with everything we need.
Think about how Jesus called His first disciples: fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men. They weren’t impressive by the world’s standards, but they were willing. Once they encountered Jesus, their lives were never the same. Filled with His Spirit, they went out and changed the world, not because they were strong, but because they were available.
We have that same opportunity today. God’s mission isn’t just for pastors, missionaries or church staff. It’s for all of us. The people who need Jesus aren’t only in distant countries; they’re right here around us: our neighbors, coworkers, friends and even family. God is still asking, Who will go? The question is: will we respond like Isaiah did and say, Here am I. Send me?
APPLICATION: Where might God be calling you to step out in faith this week? Maybe it’s starting a spiritual conversation with a friend, inviting someone to church, or serving in a ministry that reaches our community. Let’s pray for the courage to say yes, even when it’s uncomfortable.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for cleansing me through Jesus and calling me into Your mission. Forgive me for the times I’ve held back out of fear or doubt. Give me courage to say, Here am I. Send me. Open my eyes, and our eyes, to the people around us who need Your love. Fill us with boldness and compassion to share the hope of Jesus wherever You send us. In His name, Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?