Qualified
Wednesday, February 17
Qualified
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7
This world does a great job of teaching us to be skeptical of all things. We live in an age of online scams, empty political promises, conspiracy theories, and more. And we grow up hearing phrases like, “seeing is believing.” But is it? It is true we ought to fear something that brings the body harm or danger, but should we live in fear of all things? No. Most of us, at some time in our walk with the Lord, have had to step out in faith to do something for the Lord that we haven’t felt equipped to do. The life of the believer involves complete trust in the Lord. We profess faith in the unseen. Academia defines this faith as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. When we trust in God completely we will truly come alive living a life of faith.
The prophet Jeremiah was only about seventeen years old when he was sent to warn the people of Judah that, unless they turned from their evil ways, judgement was coming. Not a popular message to deliver, eh? Jeremiah thought so too. In fact, Jeremiah tried his best to get out of it! ‘Then I said “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth”’ (Jeremiah 1: 6). But even God knew Jeremiah’s weakness and was willing to work with it if Jeremiah was willing to trust in God.
The Lord knew that, in his own ability, Jeremiah wasn’t equipped to do what the Lord was calling him to do. “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.” It was by the power of God’s word that the task would be accomplished.
When the Lord calls us to serve Him, He doesn’t expect us to do it on our own. We will come alive as we are equipped by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Strength. He will use our natural gifts, but it’s in His strength that the tasks are done. Whether we’re in full time ministry, or out in the workplace, or at home, it’s the Lord, by His Spirit, who equips us to do what He’s called us to do.
Prayer for today: Help me, Lord, to hear Your voice and obey. Lord, we do thank You that when You call us to do anything for You, You equip us for that task. Help us always to remember that it’s not our own ability that You look for, it’s our willingness to step out in faith, and trust You. Amen.