God doesn't call the equipped…He equips the called

God doesn't call the equipped…He equips the called

He equips the called. Let’s look at this throughout Scripture. If you've been in the church for more any amount of time, you've probably heard a lot of the “big names” in the Bible—people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Noah, Peter, Paul, Elijah—the guys who did big, amazing things for the Lord. Moses was there at the parting of the Red Sea. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son to obey God. Elijah fought against over 400 prophets of the idol Baal. Moses led God’s people out of slavery. And Paul was one of the greatest evangelists to ever walk the planet. But have you ever looked at the list of their failures?

Despite their failures, God managed to use each of them in incredible ways! And the best part was, it wasn't them doing the work! It was Christ’s power in them! On our own we cannot accomplish anything. But Christ can do anything! Check out these  powerful verses:

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)- “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Our strength is not in ourselves; in fact, we are stronger at our weakest, because that is when Christ’s power can work most through us. Our weaknesses are something to treasure, because they give us the chance to see God show Himself in our lives in the incredible ways only He can.

Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV)- 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Yes, we are to work towards becoming more like Christ, but ultimately, HE is the One who will work in your life to bring glory to Himself.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)- Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Whatever God has called you to do, He is completely faithful. He will give you whatever you need to accomplish the tasks He has given you to do for His glory.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (KJV)- 20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The same power that  brought Christ back from the dead is in you!!!! That power is equipping you to do God’s will and to please Him in the things He’s called you to do in Christ. Fear has no place when power that can raise people from the dead is on your side!

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (KJV)- 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

And finally, 1 Corinthians 1. God uses not the mighty, not the noble–the foolish and weak. We have no cause to boast in ourselves, no matter what talents and abilities God has given us. Everything we have and are is because of Christ, and should be used for Him. If we boast at all, let it be in Him.

I know new places and new ministry opportunities can be scary and can make you nervous. But if you are certain that God has called you to this, you can also be sure He’s going to equip you to carry out all He has planned for you! Spend some time in prayer this week turning all your fears and concerns over to Him. He’s going to do amazing things in you and through you!!