Criticism stings! Those who serve publicly come in for a fair share of it. To be sure, there are those who support and affirm, but the voice of the critics always seems louder. Yesterday after a congregant was particularly critical of my leadership, I found a place of prayer and asked God – “Lord, why did you call me? I feel so inadequate for this work!” The thought that I could stand up in front of people week after week and teach them eternal truths awes me! That He has entrusted me with the soul care of His Bride, the church, weighs heavily on me. I know I am not smart enough, ‘Christian’ enough, or perfect. (Hey, I heard that amen!) I have to consciously remind myself – time and again – that the strength, the wisdom, the gifts belong to my Master and Lord. I serve at His pleasure! And… He has promised that as long as I keep my eyes on Him, He will equip me to serve skillfully and well.
Do you feel incapable of serving God, of doing effective ministry? Do your short-comings, sins, and failures taunt you from the wings of the stage of your mind whispering to you – “there’s no way you’re going to pull this off successfully?”
I know those voices, too. They are partially demonic in origin and partially rooted in our own fears. Ever person who responds obediently and purposefully to do God’s will – be they a preacher or a plumber- will feel some level of fear. IF they do not, they are not walking in faith. Paul, himself, knew this sense of inadequacy. Of the calling to represent the Kingdom of God, he asks, “Who is equal to such a task?” and a little further on the text, “It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5, NLT) The taunters lie, if only because they ignore the one thing that is the key to doing spiritual work effectively — it isn’t our own strength, cleverness, or skills that ultimately provide success.
The Bible says, “For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” (1 Corinthians 1:5-7, NIV) Yes, we must recognize that the ‘you’ that is the subject of this verse is a collective describing the Church. But, you and I am ‘in the Church’ and we can claim the promise of His enabling spiritual gifts personally! Do you?
When I am on the edge of being overwhelmed by my fears and my sense of inadequacy, there is but one thing that quiets my mind… knowing that “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NLT) Go back and read that again.
What strengths did God see in us that caused Him to choose us? Nothing!
But He called us, at His own initiative, because of His grace. Then He promised, “I will enrich you in every way!” Claim His strength.
Here’s a Word to take with you today…
God “chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.”(1 Corinthians 1:28-31, The Message)
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Constantly Abiding
There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it can not take away;
Tho’ the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come there to stay!
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely,
Whispers, O, so kind:
“I will never leave Thee,” Jesus is mine.
This treasure I have in a temple of clay,
While here on His footstool I roam;
But He’s coming to take me some glorious day,
Over there to my heavenly home!
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