There are times that we look at ourselves and wonder, "why did God choose me?" We wonder, "what talent or attribute did He feel was so extraordinary, so redeeming that He would put such confidence in me?"The tasks before us seem so insurmountable... Reach the World. Bring in the Harvest. Nurture the new. Challenge the old. Give hope to the hopeless. Be the fountain of wisdom for all of life's questions. Be a good father or mother. Be a good spouse. Pray. Study.
On and on the list of requirements pile up in our lives and in our ministries.
The responsibilities and burdens far out weigh our strength and out run our abilities.
We are overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. We are minimized in our own sight by the mountain of position. What is the use, right?
Nevertheless, our weakness is actually an attribute that God chooses to exploit. He thrives on making up the difference between our challenge and our ability.
My mind goes to Gideon and his 32 thousand men. God commanded Gideon to send home those that were unwilling to fight and the majority of them left. Then, with one final test, Gideon's "army" was down to only 300 men.
God made sure that the glory was His and His alone. He made the difference between their weakness and their challenge.
There are numerous other examples such as the Battle of Jericho, David and Goliath, and the four lepers. In each of these stories, God brought great victory, liberation, and provision out of inadequate vessels.
When you sit at your desk, stand at your pulpit or even when you pick up your pen to write, remember God is the X-Factor. He is the Great Equalizer.
So, when the enemy reminds you of your lack; when he points out your weakness; when he scoffs at what seems to be your futile efforts; just agree with him. "Yes, you are right!" "I am gloriously inadequate!"
Then remind him that you are also gloriously called and that your deficit only leaves more room for God to move.
God has called. He will empower. His strength is more than sufficient.
Take courage in the face of your inadequacies. Let faith rise.
One day the tasks will all be accomplished and you will stand victorious, and then all Glory will belong to Him.
2 Cor 12:9
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(RSV)
