October 16, 2019
HERE I AM. SEND ME!
Kathy Manfredi
Volunteer, Illinois
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Who should I send? Who will go for Us?’ I said: ‘Here I am. Send me.’”
Isaiah 6:8
Recently I’ve enjoyed watching my grandchildren as they develop the skills necessary to make decisions. Although very young, they’re learning what to consider and the consequences of each decision. What risks are involved and who might be affected? Are other choices to be considered? Should we seek advice from someone with more knowledge or experience? What’s our motivation and is it in line with our values and passions?
When I decided to go to Malawi, I thought I’d taken all this into consideration. Recalling my careful deliberations helped me face the challenges and make the most of my opportunities. I was excited and filled with a sense of adventure. Our decisions, though, no matter how carefully weighed, often have unforeseen consequences. Not until I actually arrived in Malawi did the reality fully hit. I was so far from my family, home and everything I knew. I felt alone and was fearful I’d made the wrong choice.
Then, I began to see and feel the REAL consequences of my decision. The MMM staff and workers were wholly committed to their work. The villagers dug the wells, built the bricks, and worked day in and day out to make their wells a reality. We were constantly met with smiles, singing, and dancing because we brought clean, pure, fresh water – the gift of LIFE – to these villages. At some point, each of us in the process had heard God’s voice and answered, “Here I am. Send me.”
God expects us to carefully weigh our decisions, but also to be open to unanticipated opportunities. From the minute we open our eyes each morning we make decisions. How will we spend our days? What will we say and do? With whom will we spend our time? How will we spend our life? Years ago I heard, “Life is not just. It’s simply a space of time given to us. We do with it what we can.” Many things in life are not fair or just, but we can answer the injustice of the world when we put our trust in God and say, “Here I am. Send me.”
Application Question: Where have you heard ‘Who should I send? Who will go for Us?’ When has God seen you answer, “Here I am. Send me.”?
Prayer: Dear God, help me to open my ears & heart when You ask, “Who should I send?” Give me the courage & strength to trust You by answering “Here I am. Send me!”
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