Due diligence is described as an investigation of a business or person prior to signing a contract, or an act with a certain standard of care. It is not just something that attorneys, investors and entrepreneurs do either. We all do it to one degree or another. We like to know what we’re getting into with a purchase or a commitment. We research, we investigate, we do our due diligence. We even do this when we consider volunteering for some-thing at church. We want to make sure that we have the time, ability or experience to do a good job of what we are considering to under-take.
This is what strikes me odd about Isaiah’s encounter with the Lord in Isaiah 6. Isaiah catches a vision of the Lord in all of His holiness. Then the Lord questions aloud, “Who will go for us and whom shall we send?” We are all familiar with Isaiah’s response. He doesn’t say, “What do you want me to do?” or “What does this job consist of?” He says, “Here am I, send me.” He doesn’t do his due diligence. He simply makes himself available.
I’ve heard it said that the greatest ability is availability and I would like to express my appreciation and regard for all those at FBC who simply make themselves available. Many of our ministry leaders started out this way. They saw a need and decided to make themselves available to do something about it. God has greatly blessed that “ability”. Many have made themselves available for short term mission trips and the Lord has done great things not only through them but in them as well. Our Japanese Language Ministry is not only surviving but thriving be-cause many people are making themselves available.
When we hear of opportunities or needs in ministries, instead of doing our mental due diligence, let’s keep making ourselves available like Isaiah did, and give the Lord the opportunity to do special things through available vessels. Let’s make “Here am I, send me” a regular part of our vocabulary.
-Craig
