Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 PETER 4:10
I’ll never forget receiving a letter from the dean of the school of social work at a prestigious university, implying that I was unqualified to work with young people. At the time I was directing a thriving youth program. To work long-term in youth services, though, the dean said I needed formal training.
“Sure, she’s right,” I thought. “I’m technically unqualified to do the very thing I’m doing.” I considered submitting my resignation. Yet something inside me said, “No, don’t quit.” And for fourteen years after receiving that letter, I worked full-time with youth, and now I work to rescue young people from the injustice of human trafficking. To the world, I looked unqualified. But God cared more about my willingness than my qualifications. He saw something in me that others did not and called something forth from me that others could not.
There are many roles in God’s kingdom for which one must be uniquely gifted. Music, medicine, law, science, accounting, and art are some examples. We should be sensitive to the possibility, if we lack those gifts, that God may be leading us in a different direction. But once we find that direction, we must not allow ourselves to be deterred. Consider these biblical examples of those who God chose despite characteristics that should have disqualified them:
• Noah got drunk (Genesis 9:20 – 27).
• Sarah was impatient (Genesis 16).
• Abraham was old (Genesis 17:1; 24:1).
• Jacob was a cheater (Genesis 25 – 27).
• Miriam was a gossiper (Numbers 12:1 – 2).
• David had an affair (2 Sam uel 11 – 12).
• Elijah was moody — one minute bold and courageous, the next fearful and on the run (1 Kings 18 – 19).
• Jonah ran away (Jonah 1:3).
• Peter had a temper (John 18:10).
• Paul was a persecutor (Acts 8:3; 9:1 – 2).
• Martha was a worrier (Luke 10:40 – 41).
• Thomas doubted (John 20:24 – 26).
• Zacchaeus was short (Luke 19:3).
• Lazarus was dead (John 11:14 – 44).
God had a purpose for each of these people. He chose them. He qualified them. He called them, just as he is calling you and me — to go and do in his name. Don’t limit yourself because of your own limitations. Lean into a limitless God and see where he takes you. I suggest that you strap yourself into the roller coaster for the ride of your life.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
God chose each of the individuals above despite a critical shortcoming. Which one do you most closely relate to?
Be sure to read that person’s story.