Why do you think Jesus often chooses the ordinary to do extraordinary things?
Moses had humble origins as an infant son of a slave. But then he ended up being raised by a princess in the palace of the pharaoh of Egypt. In the middle of that, though, he was humbled again as he had to run for his life after murdering an Egyptian who was beating on a Hebrew slave.
He spent the next 40 years herding sheep. Then, and only then, with no pride left, was he ready for the task God assigned to him. Did he think he was ready when Jesus came calling? Hardly. He almost refused to obey this holy voice vibrating the air waves. He had no confidence in himself at all.
Yes, now he was ready.
The Bible is replete with examples of the common becoming quite uncommon:
David; from shepherd to king.
Esther; from commoner to queen.
Gideon; from weakling to a warrior.
Elisha; from farmer to the greatest miracle-working prophet of all time.
Amos; from sheep herder and fig farmer to prophet of the living God.
All of these and many more had one thing in common. Was it their high marks in school, their charismatic personalities, good management skills? Were they born leaders? Not even close! In fact, no one would have expected great things from them at all.
But they all consented to be taught through a series of trials. They made themselves willing to God’s leading, regardless of the impact it had on their immediate appearance of success or not.
The almighty God of the universe is NOT looking for those who possess great abilities. He is looking for those who possess great availability.
Your success story for the Kingdom can be: from abilities, to availability.
Think for one moment about what that means. When Jesus wants to share what He’s been thinking with you, are you available to listen? When Jesus asks for someone to encourage a wounded heart, are you available? When Jesus is desperate for a volunteer to warn your neighbor, your friend, your co-worker, or the vagabond, are you available? Do the “important” things in your life occupy the space for the necessary thing in your life? Notice I said “thing,” not things. It’s singular. There is only one thing that is necessary, yet we fill our life with things.
If you are thinking that you’ll address your availability at a later time, maybe when your schedule clears out, consider this question: When Jesus closes the book of life for the last time, and He steps off His throne to bring His children home, will you be available then?
copyright 6/8/2015
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