Answering God's Call: Finding Worthiness in Unworthiness

Answering God's Call: Finding Worthiness in Unworthiness

Pastor Kevin Rutledge


Have you ever hesitated when a great opportunity came your way? Maybe you felt a nudge to step up and make a difference, but a little voice in your head said, “You’re not qualified enough.” If so, you’re not alone. That tension—between a call to serve and feelings of inadequacy—is a deeply human experience. Even some of the greatest figures in history have faced it.

One powerful example is the story of Isaiah’s vision in the throne room of God. In this awe-inspiring moment, Isaiah sees angels proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of His glory.” The room shakes, and Isaiah, overwhelmed by the sheer holiness of God, feels utterly unworthy.

Then comes the call: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”

It’s a question Isaiah could have ignored. Instead, despite his feelings of inadequacy, he responds with one of the most powerful declarations in scripture: “Here I am. Send me.”

This pivotal moment didn’t come from arrogance or confidence in his abilities. It came from a willingness to trust God, even when he felt unworthy. In response, a seraph touched his lips with a burning coal, symbolically cleansing him. God didn’t wait for Isaiah to be perfect—He made Isaiah ready for the task ahead.

The Call Today

Isaiah’s story isn’t just a biblical moment—it’s a message for us today. Our world is crying out for justice, hope, and healing. Opportunities to make a difference are all around us, yet many of us hesitate because of fear or self-doubt.

  • “I’m not talented enough.”
  • “I’ve made too many mistakes.”
  • “What if I fail?”

These are the lies we tell ourselves, but they’re not the truth. God doesn’t require perfection—He requires willingness.

Grace Makes You Ready

As Christians, we experience our own “burning coal” moment through the transformative grace of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection offer forgiveness and redemption, making us worthy not by our own merit, but by His. When you feel unqualified, remember: your worthiness comes from God’s grace, not your perfection.

Faithfulness Over Results

Here’s the beautiful part: answering God’s call doesn’t mean you’re responsible for the outcome. Isaiah wasn’t promised immediate success. In fact, he was warned that many would reject his message. But his willingness to go mattered.

The same is true for us. We’re not called to save the world single-handedly. We’re called to step forward in faith and let God work through us, even when we don’t see the results right away.

A Modern Example: The Ripple Effect of "Yes"

Consider a small food ministry that began with just a few volunteers. They stocked shelves, packed bags, and handed out meals to those in need. Over time, partnerships formed, resources grew, and their impact expanded far beyond what anyone imagined. What started as a simple “yes” from ordinary people became a lifeline for an entire community.

Their success didn’t come from extraordinary qualifications. It came from faithfulness—a willingness to serve despite uncertainty.

Your Action Steps

So, how can you move past doubt and say “yes” to the call on your life? Start with these steps:

  1. Recognize the Call
    Pay attention to the nudges in your heart. Is there a need in your community or an opportunity that keeps coming up? That might be God calling you to act.
  2. Acknowledge Your Doubts
    It’s normal to feel uncertain. Write down your fears and insecurities, then give them to God in prayer.
  3. Take the First Step
    You don’t need to have everything figured out. Start small—a conversation, a volunteer shift, or even offering to pray for someone in need.
  4. Trust in Grace
    Remember, your worthiness doesn’t come from your abilities. Trust that God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do.
  5. Celebrate Faithfulness, Not Outcomes
    Your job is to be faithful. Leave the results to God, knowing that every small act of obedience is part of a bigger plan.

The World Needs Your "Yes"

Isaiah’s willingness to answer God’s call echoes through history, reminding us of what’s possible when we step forward in faith. The same spirit that called him is calling you today. The world needs voices of hope, hands of healing, and hearts committed to justice and mercy.

Will you be one of them?

Don’t let doubt hold you back. Trust that God’s grace is enough, and say, “Here I am. Send me.” Your simple “yes” could set something extraordinary into motion. Listen for the call, take that step, and watch how God works through you. You might just change the world.


Other Things You May Be Interested In:

The Light That Shines In The Darkness

Published: December 25, 2024

As we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of a profound truth: Jesus, the light of the world, was born into darkness. This light, sent to dispel the shadows, has faced constant opposition. Yet, despite every attempt to extinguish it, the light continues to shine brightly, offering hope and transformation to all who embrace it. Feeling the Weight of Darkness In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the darkness surrounding us. Many of us struggle to experience the joy and wonder of the season, saying, “I’m just not feeling it this year,” or “It’s not the same as it used to be.” This sense of disconnection is understandable in a world fraught with anxieties and fears. Violence feels ever-present, and hunger, poverty, and loneliness persist in our communities. People face impossible choices between food, medicine, and heat, while others wonder if anyone truly sees or cares about them. The weight of this darkness can make it difficult to see the light. But perhaps we’re expecting too much. Why should it be easier to perceive the light now than it was 2,000 years ago? The Humility of Christ’s Birth Consider the circumstances of Christ’s birth. He wasn’t born in a palace or with grand fanfare. Instead, He entered the world in the humblest of settings—a manger, because there was no room at the inn. His mother, a young woman facing potential scandal, and His earthly father, a simple carpenter, welcomed Him into a world that had little room for a Savior. Yet, God’s plan persevered. Christ entered the world quietly, almost unnoticed. The powerful felt threatened by His arrival, learning of it only through the wise men from afar. Meanwhile, the shepherds—society’s marginalized—became the first to hear the good news, as an angel proclaimed His birth and a heavenly host filled the night sky with praise. The shepherds’ response is a model for us all. Without hesitation, they left everything behind to seek the Christ child. When they found Him, they were transformed, returning to their fields rejoicing and sharing the good news. Our Response to the Light This story challenges us to consider our own response to the light of Christ. Are we keeping watch, ready to recognize God’s movement in our lives? When we hear the good news, are we willing to drop everything to seek it? And when we encounter that light, do we allow it to transform us and compel us to share it with others? The darkness in our world is undeniable, but so is the persistence of light. Even in the bleakest circumstances, God’s love continues to break through. There are people working tirelessly for peace and justice, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and offering hope to the hopeless. These modern-day shepherds have seen the light and now share it with others. Carrying the Light Forward As we reflect on the nativity story, we are called to be more than passive observers. Like the shepherds, we are invited to step out of our comfort zones to encounter God’s presence in unexpected places. This doesn’t mean life’s challenges will disappear, but it does mean we have a choice in how we respond to the darkness. We can choose to be bearers of light, letting the transformative power of Christ’s love shine through us. Imagine the impact if each of us committed to this calling. What if we approached every interaction, challenge, and moment of our day with the awareness that we carry within us the light of the world? How might our families, communities, and world be transformed? The Ongoing Miracle of Christmas The birth of Christ reminds us that God’s light often enters the world in subtle, easily overlooked ways. It pushes through the cracks of our brokenness, reborn in our hearts, minds, and spirits. Our task is to nurture that light within ourselves and help others recognize it in their lives. As we celebrate this season, let’s challenge ourselves to carry the light of Christ into every corner of our lives. Let’s praise God and share the good news, just as the shepherds did. Let’s make room in our hearts and in our world for the Savior to be born anew. The question is simple yet profound: Will we actively seek Christ’s light, allow it to transform us, and boldly shine it into the darkness around us? The answer has the power to change not just our lives, but the world itself. In a world often consumed by shadows, we are called to be beacons of hope, reflections of the divine light that entered the world in a humble manger. May we embrace this calling, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year. For in doing so, we participate in the ongoing miracle of Christmas—the light that continually overcomes the darkness.

Christmas, Love And Wrath

Published: December 20, 2024

Explore the Old Testament scriptures and learn how God's love is proven through his pursuit of justice for the oppressed. Discover how individuals like Noah, Moses, and Ruth were used by God to bring mercy and blessings to others, and how Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate mediator between mankind and God. Reflect on the importance of being available to show God's love to those in need.
Top