“I am the LORD; there is no other God.  I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me.”

Isaiah 45:5

Several times throughout Isaiah 45, the Lord asserts that he alone is God, and that there is no other. The false gods of the nations, the idols they have made with their own hands, cannot compare to the Lord, the creator of all things, the sovereign of all history.

The Lord has the ability to work in history for his purposes and glory, even raising up Cyrus, a Persian king, to do his will. To Cyrus, God says, “I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me.” God is not limited to using those who acknowledge him to do his bidding. In the majesty and mystery of his sovereignty, God can work in and through even those who are ignorant of him and his plans. Such is the greatness of our God!

How much more would God want to use those of us who do know him and who are committed to him. Whether we’re in a meeting at work, or teaching a class, or coaching a soccer team, or driving our grandchildren around town, or talking with friends on the patio after a worship service, God seeks to use us for his purposes. When we’re immersed in his word and attentive to his Spirit, we’ll be ready to do God’s bidding.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: When have you been used by God for his purposes? How did this happen? Are you available to him in all times and places? What might God want to do through you today?

PRAYER: Sovereign Lord, your ways are truly amazing. You work out your will in this world according to your plans, even using the likes of Cyrus, a man who didn’t even know you.

Yet, in many ways, I am more amazed by the fact that you want to use me, in spite of my limitations, my doubts, my sins. How blessed I am to be called into your service. And how doubly blessed to know you because you have made yourself known in Christ.

O Lord, may I be available to you today, to do your will. Help me especially to be ready for service in places I don’t think of as “religious.” May I attend to the still, small voice of your Spirit, so that I might do your bidding, for your kingdom and glory. Use me this very day, Lord! Amen.