You are worthy

Isaiah 6: tells the story of Isaiah's commissioning by the Lord.

This happens after King Uzziah died after reigning for 52 years. Isaiah begins to recognize that the throne of David is now empty. The overwhelming nature of knowing that Isaiah was possibly going to be placed in the space that once was held by such a victorious king overwhelms him. Isaiah begins to question what the Lord is doing. He questions his own abilities and inadequacies.

Isaiah calls out to God of these shortcomings in verse 5 saying: "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I love among people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty."

This is the same question that many powerful leaders whom God has appointed have gone through. Questioning themselves and how can God possible use them. They recognize the lies of their failures and the corruption of their own sin. This causes them and us - to feel deep inadequacy when standing before the presence of the almighty God.

Yet what does God say about us:

"You are worthy."

Despite all the lies that we believe about ourselves to be true - the things that we hide from others or the same we feel. God knows all these things. He created all these things and is not surprised. He looks at us and says "you are worthy." I believe in you. I have faith in you. I am preparing you for a purpose. You may feel inadequate. You may feel unqualified for what I am going to use you for. But I know you -- and I know you are qualified. 

Who are we to question our Creator? 

After Isaiah realizes their is perfect atonement for his sins by being touched by a seraph (v. 6-7) his response changes. He becomes willing to move wherever God desires to send him. He forgets about his  failures or shortcomings. He steps out and has faith that God is who God says he is and because of that he can take a step and walk fully trusting in the character of who God is. God has declared him worthy and forgive and because of that Isaiah responds passionately.

And I said, "Here I am! Send me."

I believe Jesus is seeking for us to really understand that we have been atoned for our sins. The things that we have done wrong that we are ashamed of will not keep us from God's purpose for our lives. We must understand that we are truly forgiven and because we are truly forgiven we have the ability to be used by God how he desires to use us. We are able to overcome the pits of hell that sin created and walk faithfully into righteousness at our Father's side. The world will continue to tell us we are unworthy but the perfect act of the death of a righteous man on a cross shows our lives are worth much more. We are loved and forgiven.

Isaiah 7:9

If you do not stand firm in your faith, 

you will not stand at all.

Ephesians 6:13-18

"Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." 

(Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message)

I know that I can trust you.

I am overwhelmed by two extremes.

I can't fathom the extreme goodness of God.
I can't comprehend the pure evil of our world.

There is victory here right? There is victory in knowing the battle is already won. There is suppose to be hope here. There is suppose to be the knowledge that we are living for something greater and that God is with us. Yet when you meet children who have been physically abused their whole life, children who desire suicide, or the threatened violence to others and yourself. I think you begin to question how purely evil the evil in our world is. I can't understand it. I can't comprehend the thoughts of so many and consistently I feel like I am failing.

There needs to be goodness here. There needs to be something to hold onto to be able to make it out of such deep darkness and pain. There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel. I know I see it. I know I have seen it. Yet so many are being crippled by their fears. Satan is alive and well. He is alive and fighting. He is bringing people down from Skyway bridge into the depths of his evil.

The desire to end it all is real. I have seen people. I have heard personal stories and I am aware of this. I am crippled by recognizing the complete brokenness of our world. I am ready to go home now. I am ready for Jesus to come back now. I am ready for people to stop living this way and recognize the beauty and hope that comes from the love of a Father who loves you. He loves you. He will never say one bad thing about you. He will never pick on you. He will never bully you. He will never cheat on you. He will never leave you. I desire for people to know this. I desire to be a spokesmen in the pits of hell to tell people to turn back to the Savior of the world who created them, knows them by name, and loves them.

Eve's Poem

Underground Church