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"God called to him, 'Abraham!' And he said, 'Here I am.'"
(Genesis 22:1)
The Hebrew word hineni means "Here I am." It expresses readiness, availability, and attentiveness. Abraham was not merely acknowledging that he heard God's voice. He was making himself available to God: "Here I am. I am listening. I am ready."
That attitude would become critically important in Abraham's life. God had already asked much of him. He had called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a place God would show him. Abraham obeyed. Later, Abraham rescued his nephew Lot when Lot was captured by enemy kings. God had promised Abraham and Sarah a son even though they were well beyond the normal childbearing years. Abraham had already experienced many tests of faith, but Genesis 22 would bring perhaps the greatest test of all.
God called, "Abraham!" and Abraham answered, "Here I am." Then God asked him to take Isaac, his beloved son, to Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice there. Abraham could not understand what God was doing, but he trusted the One who was asking.
Jesus demonstrated this same heart toward His Father. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed three times that the cup might pass from Him, yet each time, He surrendered Himself to the Father's will: "Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Jesus showed us that being available to God does not mean that every assignment will be easy. It means that God's will is more important than our comfort.
Our church family is experiencing a season that requires this same hineni spirit. God has led Great Hills Baptist Church (now Waypoint Church) through major transitions before. The church has changed its name, relocated, and undertaken difficult assignments. Now another significant transition is before us: leaving behind the familiar surroundings at 10500 Jollyville Road and moving forward to the new location at Riata Way. There are memories to treasure and uncertainties to face, but the question remains: Will we say, "Here I am, Lord"?
God sometimes brings us to the end of our abilities, experience, education, and expertise so that we will learn to depend upon Him. He entrusts difficult assignments to people who are willing to trust Him.
Today, do not begin by asking, "What will God ask me to do?" Begin with a heart already surrendered: "Lord, here I am."
Prayer: Lord, give me a hineni heart. Help me listen when You call, trust You when I do not understand, and obey You when the assignment is difficult. May my answer be ready before I know the question. Here I am, Lord. Use me for Your glory. Amen.
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