Up for the Task
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God…” 2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV
How do individuals accomplish great things for God? How do you respond when called to a great task? As we look over the history of the bible and the Christian faith, we see the Lord has always had those who would be used in significant ways for Him.
We see it from the rise and then passing of the patriarchs of the Old Testament to the death of Christ to the passing of the last apostle and throughout the ages. We can be those who are so focused on the human element of ministry that we question the future of “the”‘ church or “a” church or “a” ministry when a leader who has been used in a significant way passes from the scene.
I have observed the extremes. I can think of those who viewed the effectiveness and reach of their ministry with such a degree of self-importance that they communicated the idea (through attitude or words) that if or when their ministry came to an end somehow the kingdom of God would experience a significant setback.
Then there are those who feel that God was calling them to a great task and their own sense of inadequacy allowed them to hesitate instead of moving forward with confidence and trust in the Lord.
There are few the Lord has used in a more significant way than the Apostle Paul. Yet we see his attitude being one that reflected a complete dependence upon the Lord. Paul realized that “in himself” he was not sufficient for the task. He possessed not special spiritual power. There was nothing in his personality or make up that would allow him to be fight back from a physical death, as well as on-going persecution and hardship to preach the gospel, if the Lord was not giving him the power and strength that was needed.
Paul’s declaration about his sufficiency being in Christ, was not just an expression of humility. It was an expression of dependence and an encouragement to all those whom the Lord would call and use in any way, whether it was viewed as a life of great impact or seeming insignificance.
A saying of old goes something like this, “those the Lord calls, He qualifies.” We can say that the Lord doesn’t use those who are significant or sufficient by virtue of their own giftedness, but those who find in the Lord a source of strength and sufficiency that surprises them and others.
I believe I have found that in my years of life and ministry. I know the Lord has used me and has spoken through me that which was beyond my own intelligence, spiritual development or giftedness.
I recall memorizing the above verse as a teenager. It encouraged me in my walk with the Lord then and it still does today.
Prayer for today…. Lord thank you that You are the One who is the source of our sufficiency in life. What we are able to accomplish for You, comes from You. Help us to remember that so we remain humble and that we remain open, willing and obedient.