When we think of New Year's resolutions, many of us begin making to-do lists and coming up with action steps we must take to reach these goals. While there is nothing wrong with making goals and lists, sometimes these goals and "to-do" lists distract us from what is essential or keep us from doing anything. What if, instead of having a lengthy list of things to do, we made it our goal to simply be available to whatever God has for us?
The prophet Isaiah serves as an example of someone who was available for the tasks God had for him. In Isaiah 6, Isaiah had a vision from God. In this vision, he saw angels worshiping God and proclaiming His holiness. In response, Isaiah recognized his own sin, and he felt shame. He said, “I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” (verse 4). In response, one of the angels touched his lips with a coal, signifying that he was not guilty and that he had been forgiven of his sins (verses 6-7). Next, Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” (verse 8). God was looking for a messenger to speak for Him to the people of Israel. In response, Isaiah did not waiver. He did not wait for someone else to go. He responded immediately, “Here I am, Send me” (verse 8). Isaiah was available. He was ready and willing for any task that God gave Him.
What about you? Are you so busy with your daily schedule that you are not allowing space to recognize how God might be leading you and opportunities to share His hope with the people around you? It is okay to make plans and have schedules, but we must always leave room for Him to move and lead us. After all, His plans are always better than our own. May we all commit to being available to His leading and guidance.
Take a few moments to talk to God in prayer. Tell Him that you are available, with no limitations or holding back. Be open-minded about opportunities He will give you this year. Commit to following His guidance and leading, wherever He leads.
1It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. 2 Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”
4 Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”
I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
9 And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people,
‘Listen carefully, but do not understand.
Watch closely, but learn nothing.’
10 Harden the hearts of these people.
Plug their ears and shut their eyes.
That way, they will not see with their eyes,
nor hear with their ears,
nor understand with their hearts
and turn to me for healing.”
11 Then I said, “Lord, how long will this go on?”
And he replied,
“Until their towns are empty,
their houses are deserted,
and the whole country is a wasteland;
12 until the Lord has sent everyone away,
and the entire land of Israel lies deserted.
13 If even a tenth—a remnant—survive,
it will be invaded again and burned.
But as a terebinth or oak tree leaves a stump when it is cut down,
so Israel’s stump will be a holy seed.”
