1 Corinthians 1:26-27
…for ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty….verse 29: that no flesh should glory in his presence.
‘Ordinary’, a word used to describe something or someone with no special feature yet God uses these kind of people.
A lot of times people give numerous reasons to why they can’t be involved in ministry; ‘my schedule is very tight’, ‘it’s not convenient’. Sometimes; ‘ I can’t do it’, I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m afraid’, ‘I’m not there yet’, I’m not that talented, gifted e.t.c. We are always waiting for the spectacular before we make a move.
However throughout the scripture, I realised that the list of people who God used did not consist of many already made kings, noble men or renowned teachers. In fact to me, these people seemed rather unqualified for the roles they played in the history of Christianity.
David was a shepherd boy, a mere shepherd who became king. Moses had a stutter. He was also a fugitive, wanted for murder but he became one of the greatest leaders in bible history (oh how I admire the relationship he had with God!). Jephthah was a mighty man of Valor but the son of a harlot (a profession not necessarily welcome in Israel then). Gideon was hiding from Midianites when the Angel of Lord visited him(Judges 6:11). The list goes on and on. Shadrach, Meshach, Abegnego and Daniel were people that had being taken captive from Israel. Even the disciples of Jesus were called unlearned and ignorant. (Acts 4:13)
What made a difference in the lives of these people is Jesus, and their decision to say YES!. Just like Mary (the mother of Jesus said) ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word!
Often times we make that mistake of ignoring little beginnings. Forgetting that the mighty king was once a Shepherd boy. It seems to me that the posture of the heart, our yieldedness is more important than numerous qualifications for God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
What has God required of you this season, what is the vision he has placed on your heart, what is the assignment he has given you … and what limitation have you placed on his wonderful plans because you have tagged yourself as ordinary or unqualified. We are not at a disadvantage, we are not without help(John 14:16-18). His grace is sufficient, his strength is made perfect in our weakness!!
Philipians 4:13
I can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens me!!
– Written by Sis Oluwaseun Ogundare (Team Watchmen)