Prequalified!

But Moses pleaded with the LORD, O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled. Then the LORD asked Moses, Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.  Exodus 4:10-12


How many days do we eliminate ourselves from the race in which God has called us because we feel unqualified or incapable to take on the task?   Personally, I've taken myself out of numerous opportunities because "I" didn't feel I had what it took.   I'm confident I've missed out on God's blessings and growth, because I said no, due to my feelings.


If my own insecurities haven't been enough, there are plenty of outside influences to hold me back.  The competition in life to materially and financially compete with the Jones'. The titles that we cling to with education or work roles, can influence our confidence in abilities.  Our physical attributes and even the clothes we wear can be used against us in what we can accomplish. Even in some churches, there is a hierarchy of capabilities that we get restricted by.  I know for me I have had negative influences that held me back because I was divorced early in my life.


The good news, when we have a relationship with the risen Christ, God doesn't qualify us based on worldly flaws and self induced restrictions.  He calls us regardless if we are stumbling, mumbling fools in the view of the world.  Usually he calls us in spite of our flaws.  Moses saw himself as a weak individual with very poor speaking skills, but God saw him as a divinely driven leader.  God's response is what we need to daily need to cling to in our personal lives.  I do not have the right to debate my lack of abilities with the God who created all, and has the master plan for my life.  I have to full trust him, ignore the worldly influences, and realize he doesn't recognize my self described limitations.  As Henry Blackaby puts it, God takes the ordinary and makes them extraordinary.   


How does this look in my personal life today?  Lately, I've been very down and doubting my ability to lead my children.  My thoughts tell me that I am failing, and the rebellious behaviors that occur with my kids are my lack of ability to teach and guide them.  God is telling me today, that I have what it takes.  He is telling me that he gave me these two awesome kids for his Glory and that he will provide me with the ability to lead them and point him to Him.  I accept the calling Lord.


How does this look in your life today?

Worthlessly Useful

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.   1 Cor 1:26

I love the hope that this verse supplies.  God chose to call me even though I was a nobody.  The only thing special about me was his fingerprints on my life.  I didn't grow up wealthy, live in a big house, or have name brand clothes.   I wasn't the star athlete, the brightest kid in class, or definitely the best looking.  I didn't go to the top notch college, I didn't drive the coolest car, nor was I most popular.

My story was different by the world's standard.  I wore what my parents could afford. I rode to school in a 1966 Ford Falcon, that my Granny drove till the day she died. It wasn't cool then, but I'd love a ride in it beside her today :). I married my high school girlfriend, in which I lived with unmarried.  I did what I had to do to remain above average.  I got divorced in college, did some really stupid things, hurt a lot of people, and dealt with a run of heavy drinking. The picture sure doesn't look like the world's or God's poster child for being called.

The good news, God didn't choose the over achievers.  He called the tax collectors, the murderer's, the unfaithful, and, the uneducated.   He chose those who really were incapable by the world's standards.   That's me!!!  He called me to make a difference for eternity. He called me to encourage the hurting, to love the unlovable, to build marriages, to help with finances, and best of all, to share the good news of our forgiveness in Christ!!

If you are waiting to get your act together in life to deal with God, you are deceived.  He's calling you as you are right now.