If not you, who will?

Last night I had the privilege to meet and hear the heart of Andrew and Avril, missionaries to Belarus. They run a program that works to get children out of orphanages and into foster homes. They have an amazing program that includes the mental/physical health of the children and the families welcoming them into their homes. They also tangibly support these families and put great emphasis on making sure foster parents and children alike are treated with dignity.
They showed us a video where one of the foster mom's was interviewed. She was speaking about how she felt like God spoke to her about taking children into her home. She told God she didn't want to, she'd been in the orphanages and seen those children.. she knew their reputation on the street and didn't want that in her home. God very clearly spoke to her "If not you, who will?"

"If not you, who will?"

That line's been repeating over and over in my head since that moment. It reminds me a lot of one of my favorite scriptures. Isaiah 6v8 "Whom will I send? Who will go for me?"

I long to live me life being the one that says "Here am I. Send me!"

It's rarely easy to answer the call God has for us. It usually requires much from us and it's easy to look at what we're losing or what we're walking away from. What we should be focused on is what God wants to use us for and see it as a privilege that He trusts us enough to use us.

My challenge to myself, and to you, is to be ready in situations big and small to say "Here am I. Send me!"

I've been thinking a lot lately about the book of Joshua.
We have cell group(esque) meetings once a week, once a month there's an all girl one and an all male one. The first one of the year Sharon (my pastor's wife) had us all share a scripture that's been on our hearts. I shared from Joshua 'Be Strong and Courageous' (it's mentioned several times in chapter 1v3-9) and this past week I was asked to expound on my feelings about this. As I really read it I noticed for the first time that God gives us an outline. He tells to obey, not to deviate from the path and to study His Word. He then goes on to say if we do those things we will succeed in all we do.
It's so easy! So what makes it so hard?? I don't have an answer for that yet.. but I am making this my year to learn what it truly means to 'Be Strong and Courageous.' That includes following those three steps. I know making a commitment like that will bring a lot trials, but I am excited to see what God does in me and in my life as I learn to be strong and courageous!