True Identity Ministries Blog

"Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'"
Isaiah 58.9

Isaiah 58 is a beautiful passage, and I would highly recommend that you read it. I am quite fond of The Message translation because the Scripture seems to burst forth right in front of you! It is certainly a chapter worth reading in full.

Over the last four weeks, we have been able to take a glimpse into the lives of four men in the Bible who showed faith, courage, and obedience. Abraham, Jacob, Moses and Ananias all responded with "Here I am," when the Lord called their name. They were in place, both in their walk with God and in their purpose, in order that they may be ready when the Lord called upon them. Don't worry if you feel you can't relate. Truth is, they didn't have it all together, either. God calls on anyone who is willing, and it is HIM who equips us for the task.

What we have been able to learn is that when God calls our name for an assignment, we must first be in a place where we are willing to hear from Him. Then, with immediate obedience, we step out in faith and courage to accomplish the task He has set before us, in His mighty power!

Today we turn the tables and look to our Father for this response. In Isaiah 58, we find a promise. Oh, I just love Gods promises, don't you?! Even though we don't deserve any good thing, he longs to be gracious to us. Beyond that, He promises us so much! We find one right here, tucked away in verse 9...that when we call out to Him, He will say "Here I am."

The phrase "Here I am" actually notes a person ready at hand to help. When we call Gods name, when we seek Him out, He is ready to respond! If Abraham responded so quickly when God called him to sacrifice his son, how much more quickly will God respond to help His children?

We don't have to fear if our prayers will fall flat. Or if we have too much baggage for God to hear us. And we certainly don't have to worry if God cares. Because He does...about everything! Even what may seem small in contrast to everything else, God cares if it matters to us.

I want to be careful not to take this verse out of context. It must be read in a way that it is linked to the rest of the passage, which would be necessary. There is much in the chapter that addresses an action on our part. To care for the poor, stand up for injustice, to not gossip and to be generous. "THEN when you pray, God will answer."

I want to encourage you to today, and every day henceforth, to call out the name of the Lord. There is power in His name, and in prayer. And when you do, watch God respond!