I still remember the excitement of the first time I had a job that meant more to me than just a paycheck. It was for an organization that provided grants to support nonprofits in our town. We were a hub of philanthropy and service to our community, and the joy of collaboration seemed unending.

Unfortunately, it wasn't. Over time, our nonprofit lost focus, and staff turnover picked apart our team. In retrospect, I saw how we had allowed ourselves to get distracted from the simplicity of our mission and how that had been the difference between success and failure.

If I'm completely honest, there are days now where I forget the simple mission and calling that God gives to his people: we are to be a light to others, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

We aren't just freed for our own benefit. We aren't just blessed for our own comfort.

God has made us righteous in order to bring the same freedom to others. The joy and freedom of God in our lives provides a light to others, and our daily calling is simply to share that freedom a little bit more with those we meet.

Isaiah offers us a striking image of what God is willing to do for us if we allow him. He does not send us off by ourselves. He's present and fully prepared to help us as he guides us to share his life and freedom with others.

Is there a way to remind yourself each morning that God is with you?

In what ways is God asking you to reach out to others?

Are there opportunities to bring either spiritual or physical freedom to others that you can pray about today?

PRAYER:

This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads our the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: "I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." "I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." 

Isaiah 42:6-7