August 19, 2024
Melissa Valerio
History has a way of worming itself into our memories and surfacing at just the wrong time, doesn’t it? Like a negative label that someone placed on us in the past. Or even negative labels we’ve placed on ourselves, thinking we’re not good enough or capable enough or qualified enough for something. Growing up I often thought to myself “I can’t do that”. Like figuring out math problems, or learning to ride a bike, or performing in the 5th grade musical. My insecurities would creep in, and my worries would crawl out and all I could think about was failing. However, as crazy as it sounds, that can actually be a good thing, in the right way of thinking.
When God called Moses to go to Pharoah and demand that he let God’s people go, Moses responded in the same way I would have. Essentially, he said “Who me? Who am I? No one’s going to listen to me. Besides, I can’t even speak well.” But God assured Moses that he was NOT going at this alone. God would be with him “God said, ‘But I will be with you. And this will be something special for you to see to know that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this mountain.‘” Exodus 3:12; then again in Exodus 4:12 “So go now. And I will be with your mouth. I will teach you what to say.” (NLV) Doesn’t it just strengthen your heart to see how encouraging the Lord was with Moses? Moses felt ill-equipped to do this very thing God had called him to do. He felt incapable and unqualified. Yet that is the very thing that makes us a perfect vessel for God to do His work. Jesus said “I am the Vine and you are the branches. Get your life from Me. Then I will live in you and you will give much fruit. You can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:5). It isn’t in our own strength or ability, but it’s Jesus that qualifies us to do anything at all. His power working through us is sufficient for us to do our tasks well. Competency comes from God, thank the Lord! He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we can do nothing apart from You. You give us the ability, confidence, wisdom, fruitfulness, strength, and energy to do all You’ve instructed us to do. Keep us rooted in You for eternity. In Your magnificent name, Amen!
Action: Read and memorize 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 “We can say these things because of our faith in God through Christ. We know we are not able in ourselves to do any of this work. God makes us able to do these things.” If God is calling you to do something in particular, remember that it is His strength and power that is flowing through you. You CAN do what He’s called you to do. Rely on Him and know that He is with you every step of the way.