“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart” - 1 Sam 16:7 (ESV)
Many a people who are called into the Lord’s work tend to worry at their qualifications. Sometime they compare themselves with outsized personalities before them and wonder if they could be of much use. In some cases it could be their humble background which becomes a stumbling block.
Fortunately from history we can clearly see God has always picked ordinary people to do His work. The majority of the 12 disciples used to ply as humble fishermen and one was a much despised tax collector. The rest were out gambling as tradesmen before they met and gave up their trades to follow Jesus. It is these simple men, yes, who were handed the keys of the Great Commission to turn the world upside down for Christ. And they did!
Here in Uganda the East African revival which went on to impact the whole world was not started by highly placed church clergy or corporate big wigs. But rather lay men and women without theological degrees or advanced learning. They were simply touched of God.
Perhaps looking at your background and qualifications you have often felt inadequate to be a minister of the Gospel. Maybe some have even despised you. This is a lie you should not surrender to. God continues today as in the past to use ordinary people to do great things!
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus of Nazareth that instead of looking at my background or statutes I look up to you to lead me to expand your kingdom.
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
