Walk Into The Uncomfortable

“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)

I am a creature of comfort. I like a stress-free, predictable, joy-filled life. Don’t we all? But I have found over the years that that kind of life is an illusion. Oh, we work hard to create it, but sooner or later, upheaval happens, people impact our lives, circumstances change, and we are walking along the lines of discomfort.

In this text, Isaiah had a vision of the Lord, exalted on His throne, with holy beings singing praises to Him. Isaiah recognized he was a sinful man, yet his eyes had seen the Almighty. He knew his sin in the presence of a holy God, and was cleansed by a live coal from a seraph’s hand. Afterwards, the voice of the Lord called to him, asking who would go and tell God’s people about the coming Messiah. Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Talk about getting out of your comfort zone! I am amazed Isaiah had so much enthusiasm for the job being asked of him. Stubborn kings. Ruined lands. Hard-hearted people. These were the challenges that faced him. And still he said, “I will go.”

I remember when God put it on my heart to go to Tanzania. Our small group from church was to start a sister-to-sister partnership with Ilambiole, a parish with seven preaching points. We went with a group of youth and adults from other churches. I had not been to a third world country before, did not know the language or customs, had to get a ton of shots for scary diseases like yellow fever, and wondered if my life would ever be the same again. Yet, I answered the call, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I took a huge step, got very uncomfortable (more than I had ever been) and saw the very hand of God in the whole experience. I have memories that will last my lifetime. All because I chose to say, “Here I am, send me.”

Where is God calling you to go? What uncomfortable thing is the Holy Spirit beckoning you towards? It could be talking with your cantankerous boss. Taking the lonely widow next door out for lunch. Starting a small group. Going on a mission trip. Whatever it is, put yourself on the other side of discomfort. Lean into it. Walk towards it. Run, if able! And your life will never be the same!

Prayer-“Holy Spirit, lead me into the uncomfortable. Give me the faith and trust to follow you, no matter what you ask me to do. Give me the eyes to see your Spirit walking ahead, leading me. As I answer the call, open my heart to experience all the ways you are working,  and help me overcome my fear, so I can say “Here I am. Send me.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”