All of us will one day stand before God, who will ask us what we did with the gifts He gave us. Did we use them to build the Kingdom, or do we use them for selfish gain? Leaders of God’s people have a special obligation to utilize these gifts in ways that build the Kingdom of God.
Which leads me to ask, “Do you have the right answer to this important question?”
If you study the people in Scripture that God called, you will find a variety of responses to His call. In response to God, some said, “who me?” others said, “not me!” and still others said, “why me?” Only a few responded to God, saying, “Send me!”
For example:
Who me?
God called Moses out of the burning bush and said, “I have seen the misery of my people, and I am sending you to Pharoah to bring my people out of Egypt.” Moses replied, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharoah” (Exodus 3:10-11)?
Not Me!
God called Jonah, telling him to “go to Nineveh and preach against it” (Jonah 1:1). But instead of obeying God, Jonah attempted to run away from God. Here, Jonah was essentially saying, “Not me, Lord!”
Why Me?
Habakkuk complained to God about the people of Israel’s oppression and said to God, “Why do you make me look at injustice?” (Habakkuk 1:3).
Send Me!
God came to Isaiah in a vision describing the judgment He was about to inflict on the nation of Israel. God asked Isaiah who He could send to the people to warn of the coming judgment, and Isaiah said, “Here I am. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
So, Moses was “who me?”, Jonah was, “not me!”, Habakkuk was “why me?” and only Isaiah was “send me!”
Take note, though, that God used Moses, Jonah, and Habakkuk, despite their excuses and initial reluctance.
God Calls Whom He Desires
The fact that there are so many examples in Scripture of God calling and using reluctant leaders is comforting.
In my younger Christian years, I responded to God’s call with the same excuses and initial reluctance as Moses, Jonah, and Habakkuk.
I responded to God with “Who me?” when I was young in the faith and couldn’t believe God would call me to engage in any ministry. I responded, “Not me!” when I was afraid to do what God called me to do. And I even responded to God, “Why me?” when I thought there were other far more qualified people that God should call before me.
For years I was involved in ministry, serving where I thought I should but always avoiding doing what I knew God was calling me to do. My insecurities, fears, and lack of faith kept me from saying yes to God when I should have.
Finally, after years of not heeding God’s call, I gathered my courage and said yes to God. Since then, I have been on the most exciting journey of my life! I’ve not always known where God was leading me, but I knew I was finally doing what he called me to do.
Don’t despair if you’ve been running from God’s call in your life. Moses did. Jonah did. Habakkuk did. And I certainly did. God can still use you as long as you finally realize the correct answer to God’s important question is “Send me!”
More Articles
I have written many articles on obedience to God. You can find them by typing “Obedience to God” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.
- #475: Does the Bible Call Us to Balance or Obedience?
- #426: Fulfill the Will of God by Taking the First Step
- #423: The Three Most Common Excuses Leading to Failure
- #385: Is the Path You Are on the Right One?
- #365: Do You Lead Like an Owner or A Steward?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. What answer have you given God to his call on your life? Who me? Not me! Why me? Or send me!
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because people like you share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Personal Development | Obedience to God
“Send me” is seldom the response we hear from people. It’s usually blame, deflection, excuses. Especially the politicians. Your post is a good reminder for all of us, Ron.
I’ve tried to become a “send me” guy since my retirement in 2009. God has certainly kept me busy ever since!