Yes, I do admit to hearing voices in my head. More specifically, one recurring voice. This little guy never has anything fresh to say, and his dialogue lines are always negative. An obnoxious tenant, his intrusion is more annoying than a yapping Chihuahua on caffeine. “Give up! Give up! Give up!” he says. "You can't do anything for God. Who are you to try and do something? Yap! Yap! Yap! Yap!”
I know I’m supposed to ignore him, but occasionally I weaken and fall victim to his discouragement. I can’t tell you how many times he’s crushed my dreams like a Styrofoam cup underfoot. According to my little voice; I’m too busy to get involved in any kind of ministry, I’m too untalkative, and I’m too boring.
But after years of battling with The Voice, I’ve finally found a sound rebuttal that even The Voice can’t ignore. It was quite a light-bulb moment to realize I am indeed qualified to work in the Gospel. Yes, even in spite of my lack of talent. According to Scripture the weak, foolish, and base things are God’s first choice to use in His work (I Corinthians 1:26-29). He specializes in using the weak things, the foolish things, and the base things to make something great.
It doesn’t require a degree in theology to understand this scriptural principle—our inadequacies qualify us for God’s work. All He wants out of the deal is to receive glory. You won’t find this strategy used in mainstream corporate America—it’s totally a God thing. In fact, the Bible records numerous examples of God taking something insufficient and making it into something special. The wedding host gave Him water—He made wine. The disciples handed Him a child’s fish dinner—He fed over five thousand. Of course none of us were there to see it, but He made the worlds using nothing but His word (Hebrews 11:3).
It’s a humbling thought to think our little offerings are seeds for God's work, but after all He did promise He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). That single promise removes all limits on our potential, because most of us can think up some really big things
The dissenting voices may never completely leave our heads, but instead of questioning our ability, we must admit that we are indeed inadequate. God has chosen us for His work, not because of our talent but because of our lack of talent. He will anoint our weak skills and use them to create something great.
In His own words, it will be so great that you will “wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you (Habakkuk 1:5).
Monday
Places Where the Chisel Never Strikes
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
As I watched a stonecutter at his work, I noticed there were places where his chisel never marred the stone’s surface. The untouched areas served to shape the project and add character much the same as the deep cuts, that removed large chunks of stone. The artist used both strategies to construct his masterpiece.
All that day God seemed to whisper that we go through much the same progression in life. I realized that character is shaped not only by events that transpire in our lives, but also by the situations we avoid. If every circumstance we go through is a stroke of the chisel, then avoiding negative influences also can be a defining attribute.
Our surroundings have a lasting effect on us. Experiences don’t just shape us; they can also mar us, leaving scars that can be difficult to erase. For that reason we are wise to choose experiences and settings that will help keep us unblemished. If we are careful when we choose we will find it easier to be Christ-like.
Prayer: Dear God, help us make choices that will shape us into your likeness. Help us evaluate possibilities and opportunities according to their affect on our spiritual growth.
Thought for the Day
The choices we make—good and bad shape us.
Prayer Focus
Spiritual maturity
As I watched a stonecutter at his work, I noticed there were places where his chisel never marred the stone’s surface. The untouched areas served to shape the project and add character much the same as the deep cuts, that removed large chunks of stone. The artist used both strategies to construct his masterpiece.
All that day God seemed to whisper that we go through much the same progression in life. I realized that character is shaped not only by events that transpire in our lives, but also by the situations we avoid. If every circumstance we go through is a stroke of the chisel, then avoiding negative influences also can be a defining attribute.
Our surroundings have a lasting effect on us. Experiences don’t just shape us; they can also mar us, leaving scars that can be difficult to erase. For that reason we are wise to choose experiences and settings that will help keep us unblemished. If we are careful when we choose we will find it easier to be Christ-like.
Prayer: Dear God, help us make choices that will shape us into your likeness. Help us evaluate possibilities and opportunities according to their affect on our spiritual growth.
Thought for the Day
The choices we make—good and bad shape us.
Prayer Focus
Spiritual maturity
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