“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5)
Before God called the prophet Isaiah to a position of leadership in the nation, He adjusted his vision. Uncorrected vision leads to skewed perspective, poor judgment, and wasted effort. Israel’s constant rebellion was putting them in jeopardy with God, and they needed a leader with clear vision.
So, the first thing God did was give Isaiah a vision of His glory and power. Without it, he could not have done the job. Without this life-changing encounter with God, he would never have been strong enough to complete his mission. And the same applies to you. Whatever God calls you to do will require more than a job description and some basic skills. You will need a vision of His glory and limitless power to reassure you He is more than adequate for the challenge! (See Ephesians 3:20).
The second thing God did was adjust Isaiah’s vision of himself. Once your God-concept is adjusted, you’re ready for a self-concept adjustment — and not before! If you start with step two, you will quit before you begin. Isaiah cried, “I am not pure, and I live among people who are not pure” (Isaiah 6:5). Isaiah realized he was no better than the people he had been called to reach. Until you see yourself realistically, honestly, and humbly in relation to God and others, your mission won’t succeed (see Romans 12:3).
The third thing God did was respond to Isaiah’s humility. An angel touched his lips with God’s purifying fire and said, “Your sin is taken away” (Isaiah 6:7). God doesn’t call perfect leaders. He calls humble, honest, forgiven leaders, and crowns their efforts with success, regardless of the odds.
Prayer
Lord, grant me your vision and grace to be what You desire for me, and lead me to do Your will before Your people. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
