Jonah ran from God and ended up in the belly of a whale before he used him to preach to the city of Nineveh. Moses stuttered but was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Abraham was an old man, yet God called him to another country and was the Father of many nations. Paul, as Saul, was a huge persecutor of Christians, yet was given the title ‘Apostle’ after God changed his life, and the list goes on and on.
A friend tells the story about how her church needed someone to lead the choir. As she discussed the problem with others, it was suggested that she do the leading. Her first reaction was to say ‘I’m not qualified!’ She was afraid of falling flat on her face in front of the congregation.
She couldn’t help but think about the ‘heroes’ of the Bible. Her hero of choice however, was the small boy who had only a few fishes and two small loaves of bread, which the Lord blessed and filled the multitudes. She ultimately offered her limited musical skills and the choir not only grew, but thrived. She insists “that was all God!”
Another friend shared that as member of the trustee at her church, new ideas come in fairly often. The trustees vote on the measure and usually pass it through, knowing that if God wills it, it will be a success! Sometimes these ‘ideas’ include merging with other denominations as joint ventures. They’ve had weekly dinners for the homeless, food distributions and more. But they trusted God to ‘work the miracle.’
What happens when we walk away from leading, if or when we are asked? Walking away--or saying 'no', could be an opportunity for a missed blessing for both us and for others. It’s vital we search the scriptures and remember that ‘good ideas come from the Lord’. When we are in line with scripture and feel led by God to do something, even if it’s simply helping a neighbor, or something more intimidating like beginning a new ministry, we should trust God’s will and his timing.
God has this amazing ability to work things for his good and uses unlikely people to fulfill his will. Perhaps you’ve seen this in your life. If not, maybe it’s just looking for the possibility. Opportunities are encountered often in our lives, but we must be willing to listen to, and discern God’s will. He can and will provide the skills needed for the task before us, even when we see ourselves, in some way inadequate.
Noah built a big boat; Esther was placed in the palace for the task of saving her people, Rahab was a prostitute, Job lost everything, and again the list could go on and on. But God used unlikely people for unique work and he can use each of us too!
Photo credit: Free images of loaves and fishes
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