With one resounding, very key word, God has really convicted me in an area I as well as many other Christians struggle in: enough.
When it comes to doing something God has called us to do, too often we freeze, focusing on our own abilities or inabilities and our securities or insecurities. We feel we don’t have enough education or experience… enough training… enough resources… enough time… enough comfort to take a step… whatever the label, we don’t have enough of “it” to measure up.
For some, filling in that blank becomes an endless process of listing all their shortcomings. For others, the blank is summed up into one all encompassing, very disempowering, and truly disheartening statement: “who am I to _____?” Regardless, these statements speak to how they aren’t qualified to do what God has called them to.
So, what does the Word say here?
And sure, at some point he may call you to pursue more education or training or whatever; but don’t automatically assume that’s his plan for you or that it’s a requirement for Him to use you! And certainly don’t let not having these things at the moment hold you back from whatever he is calling you to do now!
For some, filling in that blank becomes an endless process of listing all their shortcomings. For others, the blank is summed up into one all encompassing, very disempowering, and truly disheartening statement: “who am I to _____?” Regardless, these statements speak to how they aren’t qualified to do what God has called them to.
So, what does the Word say here?
- Most of the saints were ordinary men with no formal theological training; they relied on the power of the Holy Spirit, not human wisdom (Acts 4:13;1 Cor 2:3-5)
- Sometimes God calls us to uncomfortable tasks, but he gives us what we need to fulfill them. Don’t run! (Ex. Moses – Exodus 3-4; Ezekiel – Ezekiel 3:1-11; Jonah – Jonah 1)
- God will equip you with everything you need to do his will (Hebrews 13:21; Phil 2:13)
- God will be strong when and where you are weak (Exodus 4:1-17; 2 Cor 12:9 &10)
- Regardless of who someone is or how much education or experience they do or don’t have, it is God alone who promotes and demotes (Psalm 75:7; 1 Samuel 2:7; Daniel 2:21)
- God uses the foolish things of this world to highlight his power and to humble those who are wise by the world’s standard, so it’s him that gets the glory, not us (1 Cor 1:20-29)
And sure, at some point he may call you to pursue more education or training or whatever; but don’t automatically assume that’s his plan for you or that it’s a requirement for Him to use you! And certainly don’t let not having these things at the moment hold you back from whatever he is calling you to do now!
enough
adjective \i-ˈnəf, ē-, ə-\
Simple Definition: equal to what is needed
Full Definition: occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations
Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary
So the freeing truth here is: It’s not about you. It’s about Him, who He is, and who He’s called you to serve. If it were about you, your abilities, experience and training, than you wouldn’t have to rely on God, you’d be relying on yourself; and it’d be you who would get the attention and credit, not God. Our personal qualities, experiences or qualifications don’t matter nearly as much as our willingness to be used by God and the quality of the time we spend with him through studying his word and prayer. Truly, God can do all he needs to through his Spirit at work within you.
So let’s end with some exploration questions!
So let’s end with some exploration questions!
- In what ways are you relying on yourself to fulfill God’s call as opposed to relying on him? How does this hold you back or make you ineffective in fulfilling what God is calling you to do?
- What would it physically and mentally look like to replace fear with faith in these areas?
- Read Acts 4:13. What amazed the council about Peter and John and why? Who had they noted Peter and John had been with? How does this apply to your situation?
- How exactly would things look different for you if you lived like this statement was true: God knew exactly who he called when he called me; I already possess enough to do what he has called me to and where I fall short, he makes up the difference.”?