How often are we asked something and before we even offer to be available, we are looking for clarity first? Ex. “Can I get your help?” — “With what?”, “Will you do me a favor?” — “How can I help?” Now it may seem as though we have placed ourselves in a position of offering, when in fact we may be looking for the way out, the excuse to avoid. Abraham did not seek clarity first, he simple said to God that he was there and available.

“¹After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” — Genesis 22:1 (ESV)

I have to be better at this. I have to give the response of “here I am”. I have to just do and not look for the why or the how. I have to act and not sit on the sidelines. I have to do more.

In 2023 my word of the year was “act” and after reflection, I do not feel as though I accomplished what I set out for at the beginning of the year. I feel as though I may have sought clarity and was looking for the “perfect” opportunities. I was not saying “here I am”.

With 2023 in mind I have chosen the word “more” for 2024 with the intention of just that for the year and forward. I have to look at each opportunity as a chance to just be there and take on whatever asked. I have to get out of the mindset of picking and choosing to help and just be available to help. I know, asking how or what help is needed does not seem to be out of bounds, but as I read this morning, I see that it can be restrictive and setting up for the out.

Abraham did not qualify his availability to the LORD. He simply said “here I am” and was willing to take on whatever he was asked. He had sojourned and waited. God did not provide for Abraham at the instance he asked, Isaac came along well after God said he would have a child with Sarah. Abraham, just heard God and said he was there.

I have to do more to just be there. I have to say “here I am” more. Whether that is to God or anyone who asks, I have to be there. I have to remember that someone has asked me and I have to go, regardless of what is needed.

When have you been asked and sought clarity first? Are you maybe looking for the way out of it as opposed to looking at helping? What if you just went with “here I am” and took whatever came?