God Can Not, Will Not & Does Not Use Me

But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though You have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” . . . Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.  Exodus 4:10, 12 NLT

How many times have we been in Moses’ situation . . . God says “go” and we say “no”.

It’s not because we are disobedient . . . it’s because we are discouraged.

It’s not because we don’t think God can do it . . . it’s because we think God can’t do it through us.

We don’t question His authority, we question our ability.

Moses was promised confidence and content . . . God would be with him and teach him what to say.  Yet, Moses still doubted his divine appointment.

Reverend Micheal Beckwith says, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”  It’s not uncommon for God to use common cracked pots to do Kingdom work.  Those who are the most skilled are usually the least selected.

• Jacob was a cheater.
• Peter had a temper.
• David had an affair.
• Noah got drunk.
• Jonah ran from God.
• Paul conspired to murder.
• Gideon was insecure.
• Miriam was a gossip.
• Martha was a worrier.
• Thomas was a doubter.
• Sarah was impatient.
• Elijah was moody.
• Moses stuttered.
• Abraham was old.
• Job went bankrupt.
• The woman at the well was divorced.
• Peter lied about knowing Jesus.
• And, Lazarus . . . well, he was dead.

God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called!

He Confirms Our Call.  Paul writes, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Eph 4:1-3 NLT)  Our call is confirmed when we answer with humble hearts, grateful gentleness and practicing peace.  Loving others with our service and unity within the Body of Christ are the evidences of our everyday and eternal efforts.

He Affirms Our Adequacy.  God loves taking a rag-tag team and giving them a righteous triumph.  Paul reminds the Christ followers in Corinth of God’s recruiting strategy, “But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.” (1 Cor 1:27-29 NET).  We may not bring much to the table, but what we do bring, God blesses and uses.

He Works Through Our Weakness.  God’s grace works in our greatest weakness.  The apostle Paul experienced this gift of grace, “Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weakness . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:9-10 NLT)   Paul reminds the faithful in Philippi, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13 NLT). Our weakness does not allow us to give up, but to give in . . . to God’s promised power and purpose.

We watch several reality programs that take something old, worn out, useless, broken or outdated and make it “new” again.  God has been doing the same type of dramatic transformations in the lives of people throughout history . . . taking something useless and making it useful.  John Dyer writes, “He recycles the worn out and remakes them to accomplish great tasks for His glory. He repurposes the messed up as He calls them to other purposes for Him and His Kingdom. He reconditions the weary with new energy and a new assignment to do what others would see as impossible. He remodels a life that is worn down through mistakes and rebuilds that person into a valuable vessel in His hands.”

Life can be discouraging, disillusioning and disappointing . . . but, don’t give up on God’s calling.  He has sovereignly selected you for service.  He will confirm you.  He will affirm you.  And, He will work through you.

He qualifies the convicted, the compassionate, the contrite and the called.  He will qualify you.