Life Markers

Isaiah knew he was unclean and unworthy to be in God's presence until one of the seraphim touched his lips with hot coal he took from the altar; God purged his sins. Then Isaiah heard the Lord's voice asking who He could send (on a mission). Isaiah volunteered to go without hesitation: "Here am I, send me" (Isaiah 6:8). He had no idea what the task entailed, where he would go, or what to say—but he was willing to be used by God. That event was a spiritual marker for Isaiah.

Spiritual markers are moments etched in time when you know you met with Holy God: He asked (or commanded) you "to go," or be still and know that He is God, or He spoke some other message you knew was from Him. If you have seen God move powerfully and your life changed, spiritual markers remain, reminding you of His activity. But not all spiritual markers are remembrances of obedience, some bear reminders of neglecting God's guidance. Those markers are not there for condemnation but as prompters to avoid repeating the same mistakes, reminders of God's love, faithfulness, and goodness when He carried you through the difficult times.

Have you heard God's voice? How did you respond? Were you obedient? Did you volunteer your service as Isaiah, or did you turn away? If you chose the latter, don't let the enemy convince you it's too late to follow hard after God, to have a heart for Him. Instead, receive the forgiveness God offers to all through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus, and then say as Isaiah, "Here am I, send me."