Volunteering

“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

My husband and I used to watch the television program, Quantum Leap. In this program, the main character, a lonely scientist whose experiment had gone dreadfully wrong, found himself leaping through time into the lives of different people. In order to leap to the next life, he had to fix something that the person had done wrong--he had to restore time and make life better. This scientist didn’t go willingly, though. With each leap, he hoped his next would take him home. In the final episode, however, he realized that leaping through time, fixing lives along the way, was his great contribution to humanity. He decided to continue; he volunteered to go on.

When we move, we have a similar choice. We can reluctantly let others drag us from place to place and resolutely do what needs to be done. Or we can enthusiastically embark on a new adventure, asking God to show us ways to build His kingdom along the way. Maybe there is a task that needs to be completed and your unique combination of talents is just right for the job. Or maybe you are particularly able to minister to someone with a specific need because of experiences you’ve had in other places. Maybe your next-door neighbor needs to hear the gospel from a fresh perspective--yours!

When God was looking for someone to send to His people, Isaiah volunteered. In fact, if you look at the end of the sentence showing his response, you’ll see an exclamation point. Isaiah earnestly wanted to do something for God. We can serve Him willingly, too!

I’m sorry that I’m not always excited about moving, Lord. Please help me look forward to the adventure of the next ministry. Help me to see unique opportunities in each place. Lead me to people You’d have me serve for You. I am available here, Lord. And wherever you send me!