A Barefoot Man’s SurrenderSample

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Moses simply replied, “Here I am.” Now, I can think of plenty that he could have said and didn’t. But he simply said, “Here I am.” It probably took the patience and self-control learned from every one of his 40 years of shepherding in Midian to shorten his answer. The ability to answer with clarity and brevity requires years of maturity.

I have a little ottoman in my study at home that I’ve spent a lot of time on … face down. I just pray, “Lord, here I am.” Not, here I am with pastoral preparation. Not, here I am with experience as a speaker. Not, here I am with my entire congregation, or with my family, or with higher education. Just “Here I am.”

I’m convinced that God is not too terribly interested in our résumé. He’s glad for it—sure. He filled it in! But He’s not asking us to show it to Him to validate who we are. He’s just asking us to say, “Here I am,” and then listen to what He’s got to say. It took Moses 40 years to say those words. Please don’t wait that long or require a road that tough! Waiting before the Lord tunes our ears to His voice and welcomes His presence. This isn’t just a quick “Here I am” while rushing to the next thing. Moses’ “Here I am” said “I am willing to cast aside all else now to hear from heaven.”

Being called by name to journey to your destined aim is like sweet salve to the soul. Someone has said that the two most comforting words any person can hear are their own name and the word “home.” A personal call to a safe place puts our heart at ease. It erases fear. When God said “Moses, Moses!” it was a personal call from the Creator to Moses, with the aim of bringing His people home. God calls you by name too. He knows every thought in your mind, every secret thing about you. And you can be sure that the plans He has for you are custom made, exactly suited to you and perfectly timed for His purpose. He is able to bring together our varied experiences, our spiritual giftedness and His purposes. God knows you better than any personality test, and He will use His complete knowledge of you for your good and His glory.