Excuse Me? You’re Sending Me?

Excuse Me? You’re Sending Me?

As our upcoming move draws near, I sense that Jesus is inviting me into a Kingdom adventure. I don’t yet know what this adventure will look like. But His is asking me to trust Him. Still, my first response is… “Excuse me? You’re sending me?”

I can think of plenty of reasons to decline the invitation. I’m comfortable where I am.  I don’t like change. Surely, He can find someone more eager—someone more qualified.

Yet, Jesus gently shrugs off my excuses.  He isn’t deterred by my hesitations or shortcomings. Instead, He sees my potential.  He has specifically chosen me—for this time, place, and purpose—to do mighty things for His Kingdom.

Kingdom Adventures

The word adventure means a risky or daring journey or undertaking.

Kingdom adventures can feel uncomfortable because they often come unannounced and lead us into the unknown.  Thankfully, I won’t be in charge—and maybe that’s the point.  But I won’t be alone either.  I can trust Jesus, my traveling companion, to lead the way.

Never Qualified for the Task

Something stirs in me every time I read the story of Gideon (Judges 6–8). I can relate to his hesitation when God called him to deliver Israel from the Midianites.

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the grasp of Midian. I am sending you!”
— Judges 6:14

Gideon’s response echoes my own: “Excuse me? You’re sending me?”

“Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s family.”
— Judges 6:15

But God’s view of Gideon was far greater than Gideon’s view of himself. God saw Gideon’s capacity, not his frailty, his potential, not his limitations.

Do Not Fear, for I Am with You

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace to you. Don’t be afraid…’”
— Judges 6:23

God guarantees His presence. He doesn’t send us alone.

It’s amazing how often the phrase “Do not be afraid” appears in Scripture. Apparently, Jesus knows that fear will be my first reaction to His call. But every command not to fear comes with a promise: I am with you.

Inhale: I will not be afraid.
Exhale: For You are with me.

Excuse Me?  You’re Sending Me?

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Last Battle, “We must go on and take the adventure that shall fall to us.” https://www.audible.com/blog/summary-the-last-battle-by-c-s-lewis?srsltid=AfmBOoqHMUGX1-9fxXdBib-q_S6GKbsQtfCyk5ucCtHB8tgfjuxwiPPA

Jesus extends that same invitation today. Will you go?  Will I?

Prayer

Help me, dear Jesus, to walk confidently with You into this new adventure.  You have a purpose and a plan. May I not be afraid.  Amen.

Questions to Consider

1. What’s your first response when Jesus invites you into an adventure?
2. How do you combat fear when it rises?
3. What Kingdom adventure might Jesus be inviting you into right now?