At the beginning of 2010, I've been thinking about what kind of attitude it takes to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. It seems to me that all too often Christians approach God with a hidden agenda. We want God to bless our plans, goals, and dreams. We think that our walk with the Lord is all about us and our comfort. Rather, I think the Lord looks for people who pray: "God I want to be a part of what you are doing! I want to accomplish your agenda, your plan, your dreams, and your purposes."
Instead of saying: "God bless what I'm doing" we need to pray "God how can I be apart of what you are already blessing". God has 3 favorite words that He loves to hear: "Here I am!" If you look through scripture at the great heroes of the faith- people like Abraham, Moses, Samuel, etc.. there seems to be at least one common denominator. They all had experiences where God called them and they said: "HERE I AM!" Their lives were full of great acts of faith, great testimonies of God's power, and great accounts of God's faithfulness. Their attitude in serving God was simple: "HERE I AM"
The Hebrew equivalent of "Here I AM" is "Na'am". It's the same in Swahili. In Swahili culture when someone is called by their first name they drop everything they are doing and come running. At the same time they respond saying: "Na'am". This is especially true of an employee or a domestic servant at a house. The idea is that they are totally available and willing to be apart of whatever plan, agenda, etc.. the boss has in mind.
The same is true for us in our service of the Lord. Too many people come to God and say: "Let's make a deal God". "I'll serve you if..... I'll go if...... I'll share with that person if..... I'll make myself available if....." God is looking for people to stop trying to make a deal with Him; He longs to hear His 3 favorite words- "HERE I AM LORD".
In Hebrews 10 Jesus models this for us so beautifully. He comes to the Father and says: "HERE I AM" He never expects anything more from us than He has already modeled. He willingly gave His life on the cross. No one forced Him. He knew it was the will of God for Him to come to earth and redeem our fallen race. So He stood before the Father and spoke the Father's 3 favorite words- "HERE I AM- I've come to do your will". His willingness opened the way for us to be redeemed. His attitude of surrender opened the way for the purposes of God.
I want to be the kind of person whose life becomes a vehicle for the purposes of God to be accomplished. HERE I AM! How about you?
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