Be Trainable and Humble
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty . . . to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29*
All we need to do is look at some of the disciples Jesus chose and we quickly see that God does not always or even usually call those who seem to be qualified. I can say for sure that God will prepare you in whatever way He chooses. It may be formal training and it may not, but God will use everything in your life to train you if you are willing to be trained. It’s sad to say that many people have a great calling on their life but they are too impatient to go through the preparation that is necessary to equip them for the job.
Esther had to have a year of preparations before she was allowed to go before the king. For 12 months, she went through the purifying process, but even more than her physical beauty, her inner beauty showed though, and God used her to save her people from wicked Haman’s evil plot.
If you’re feeling unqualified for something you believe God is calling you to do, don’t let that stop you. He will be your trainer.
Humble
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:6*
Joseph dreamed of having authority and being a great man. However, he was young and impetuous. Joseph’s brothers hated him and sold him into slavery. God used the situation as an opportunity to test and train Joseph. He even spent 13 years in prison for something he didn’t do, but whatever happened to Joseph during those years definitely equipped him for his God-ordained role in history. Joseph rose to power with only Pharaoh himself being greater. He was placed in a position to feed multitudes of people, including his father and brothers during seven years of famine.
Peter had to be prepared by going through some very humbling experiences; he was a powerful man but a proud man as well. The Lord had to humble him before He could use him. Most strong leaders have a lot of natural talent, but they are also full of themselves (pride) and have to learn how to depend on God. They have to trade in their self-confidence for God-confidence.
Your pain can become someone else’s gain. Your mess can become your ministry if you will have a positive attitude and decide to let everything you go through prepare you for what is ahead.
Lord, I humble myself before you and recognize I can do nothing of lasting value apart from You. Work through all that’s going on in my life to prepare me for what is ahead. Lord, thank You for calling me to follow You. I am delighted to be one of Your disciples. Equip me for the service You have for me. Amen.