Our oldest granddaughter, Annalise, is the sweetest young lady. Once I describe her, I am sure you will agree. Annalise, like her mom, was born “mature.” My father-in-law used to say of our oldest daughter that she was born an “adult.” Lise, as we fondly call her, could be described in the same way. She is responsible, level-headed, hard-working, serves everyone to the sacrifice of her own desires, and has a gentle spirit. She is always available to help me when needed. She cleans baseboards, woodwork, kitchen drawers, and organizes all the wrapping paper and bows, as well as the grandchildren’s toys. When I asked for help, she is always available.

Each New Year’s,  a friend of mine chooses a word to represent their family theme for the coming year. As I was thinking about that and the coming year, the word available came to mind. When looking at the definition of the word it means present or ready for immediate use; qualified or willing to do something, or to assume a responsibility. Synonyms for the word available are accessible, ready, willing, and able. So, I found myself asking, “Am I available to God? Am I accessible, ready, willing, and able to do whatever He ask of me this coming year?”

Recently, I was reading in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Each of these men made himself available to God, and willingly assumed the responsibility he was called to perform. Both gave up prominent positions in the Persian government to lead the Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem.

I found it interesting that Ezra’s name means “help.” He was certainly a help to God, Nehemiah, and God’s people. It is said of Ezra that his whole life was dedicated to serving God and God’s people. He knew God’s Word, obeyed God’s Word, and taught God’s Word.

In reading Nehemiah’s story, I found myself challenged by his availability, determination, faithfulness, and commitment to prayer in fulfilling God’s call upon his life. Nehemiah knew that God had not only prepared him to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, but He had prepared him to help rebuild the spiritual lives of His people.

Ezra and Nehemiah were used by God to start a spiritual movement that swept the nation following the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and all because they were available to God. I wonder what God could do if you and I were readily available—accessible, ready, willing, and able to do whatever He ask of us in the coming year?

Being available to God begins with a personal commitment to serve Him daily, even before knowing what He may ask of us. Ezra and Nehemiah were spiritually ready and available to heed God’s call.

Are you?

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV