When we read the Bible, we see how God worked in the lives of regular people who had struggles and pain — people just like us. One of those people was Isaiah. His story shows us that even when we’re broken and hurting, God can still use us in wonderful ways. Isaiah’s story can help us see how God’s power and love are bigger than our mistakes and disappointments.
Seeing Our Brokenness
When God called Isaiah, he didn’t try to act like he was perfect. In Isaiah 6:5, he said:
“Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
Isaiah saw how holy God was, and he knew how unworthy he felt. That’s an important moment — Isaiah realized how much he needed God.
We can feel the same way. We know we’re not perfect. Sometimes we feel like we’ve messed up so badly that God can’t use us. But the truth is, God wants us to see our weakness because that’s when He can show us His strength.
God’s Healing Touch
God didn’t leave Isaiah feeling lost and ashamed. When Isaiah admitted his sin, God sent an angel to him:
“And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.’” (Isaiah 6:7)
God didn’t just point out Isaiah’s flaws; He healed them. He gave Isaiah a new start. This is what God does for us, too. He doesn’t want us to stay stuck in shame. When we bring our failures and sins to Him, He forgives us and makes us new.
We all need this. We need to remember that God’s forgiveness is bigger than anything we’ve done. When we’re honest about our need for Him, He meets us with mercy and grace.
Listening for God’s Call
After Isaiah was forgiven, he heard God say:
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8)
Isaiah didn’t feel perfect, but he was ready to say yes to God. He knew that even though he was weak, God could still use him.
God is still calling people today. He’s calling you and me. He wants us to share His love with others — in our families, in our neighborhoods, and in the world. You don’t have to be perfect to say yes to God. He can use you right where you are.
God’s Big Plan
Isaiah’s job wasn’t easy. The people he spoke to didn’t always listen. But Isaiah kept going because he knew God had a bigger plan. Isaiah even spoke about the coming of Jesus, who would bring healing and forgiveness to everyone.
In Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah shared the message of hope that Jesus would bring:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah knew that God’s plan was bigger than his pain or his struggles. We can remember that, too. Even when life is hard or people don’t understand us, God is still working. His love is always there, and His plan is always good.
Dealing with Our Own Painful Memories
Sometimes, it’s not just about what we’re doing right now. Sometimes it’s the pain from our past that makes us feel broken. Maybe someone hurt you with their words or actions. Maybe you’ve made mistakes that you can’t stop thinking about. Maybe there are things you just can’t forget, and they keep hurting your heart.
God sees that pain. He cares about every part of your story, even the parts that you’re ashamed of or that still hurt. God wants to bring healing there, too. He doesn’t just forgive your mistakes — He wants to comfort you and help you let go of the pain you’re carrying.
God can even use those painful parts of your life to show others His love. Sometimes, the places that hurt the most are the places where God’s light shines the brightest.
Living with Awareness Today
Isaiah’s story teaches us that being aware — of God, of ourselves, of His plan — is powerful:
- Awareness of our weakness — so we trust in God’s strength.
- Awareness of His love — so we don’t let shame stop us.
- Awareness of His calling — so we’re ready to say, “Here am I! Send me.”
- Awareness of His plan — so we don’t give up when life is hard.
Here are some simple ways to live with that awareness:
- Spend time with God — Pray, read the Bible, and take a few quiet minutes to let Him speak to your heart.
- Be honest about your pain — Tell God how you feel and let Him bring you comfort.
- Say yes to small things — Sometimes God’s calling isn’t a big mission — it’s just showing kindness to the people around you.
- Remember God’s promises — No matter how you feel, He will never leave you.
A Prayer for Healing and Courage
Let’s finish with a prayer. You can read it out loud, or just let the words sink into your heart:
Dear God,
Thank You for loving me, even when I feel broken. Thank You for seeing my pain and my past. I know I can’t fix these things on my own.
Lord, I bring You all my pain and all the memories that still hurt. Please heal me. Take away the shame and replace it with Your peace and love. Remind me that Your forgiveness is enough and that You can use even my brokenness to show Your goodness.
Like Isaiah, I want to say, “Here am I, send me.” Give me courage to trust You and to share Your love with others. Help me remember that You have a bigger plan, and that nothing is too hard for You.
Thank You for never giving up on me. I trust You with my past, my present, and my future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Encouragement
Isaiah’s story shows us that God’s work doesn’t stop at our failures. He sees our hearts, our pain, and our struggles — and He still wants to use us. When we’re honest about our brokenness and keep our eyes on Him, He does something beautiful with our lives.
So today, if you’re hurting or feeling like you’re not enough, remember: God sees you. He loves you. And He can use your story in ways you never imagined.
Amen.
