Sometimes, with all of the struggles and trouble that comes our way in life, if you and I were to focus our eyes on our temporal plight it would be hard not to feel crushed and disappointed.  But there’s more to your story, and God's Word directs our focus to it.

Whenever there is a shortage of something the one thing you can count on is a surplus of blame. And when Adam sinned and found himself bereft of holiness and righteousness he quickly began to point fingers. It's a reaction we share when we stumble and fall into sin. It makes God's promise of grace even more remarkable.

When Adam and Eve rebelled against God and disobeyed His command they experienced something they had not known up until this point – guilt and shame. Sometimes the shame you feel may remain long after the guilt of your sin has been absolved. But God wants you to know that in our Savior's death for us on the cross, He has taken away both our guilt and our shame.

Isaiah must have been shocked when asked who would share the Good News of God's salvation? After all, it’s not like there was a shortage of angels for this royal task. Like a pupil raising in his hand in class, and hoping to be called upon, the prophet didn't hesitate with his answer, "Here am I. Send me."

"Say, 'Ah.'” Those two words may fill you with dread if you’re sitting in a dentist’s chair. You’re being asked to open your mouth so that they may see inside. Isaiah’s mouth must have opened wide all by itself when he was given a vision of God seated in glory.

Confessing our Savior may mean risking everything, our comfort, our popularity, our standing and our place among family, friends and community, but it's worth it. He's worth it.