I've heard it many times. People are asked if they can assist in the ministry through some sort of position or tasking, and for many, their first reaction is to say "no". Some (perhaps justifiably) say they're too busy. Others cite various other reasons. But perhaps we should all examine our motives. Are we telling the requestor "no" because we are truly too busy, or are we perhaps saying "no" because we don't feel capable or qualified to perform the task?
I have often struggled with my insecurities throughout my life. Abused early in my teens, attempted (and failed) in marriage - more than once - and much more. Yes, I have stumbled through this life, and I remember trying to imagine "what would have been", if only this or that hadn't occurred the way it did.
My life, using most human measurements, hasn't amounted to much. I used to feel like a failure, like I was smiling at times only to cover the pain and shame I truly felt about my life. I felt like a NOBODY. And I'm pretty certain I'm not alone in this world. Perhaps there are others out there like me. When someone (our pastor, perhaps?) asks us to assist in the ministry, PERHAPS we're saying "no" because we don't believe we can be effectively used by God.
But what does God's Word say about 'nobodies' like me?
1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (CEV) - Even when God is foolish, he is wiser than everyone else, and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else. My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame. What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him.
Worthless? Useless? Nothing at all? The Word tells us God CAN use you, but you have to agree to be used. God used Legion (Luke 8), the tenth leper (Luke 17) and the Samaritan woman (John 4), because they allowed themselves to be used, and didn't mind giving God the glory for any greatness they may have accomplished.
So the next time someone asks for your help in the Christian ministry, give some thought to whether you want God to use you, or whether you're holding back because you think you may fail. Give God a chance, and you may be VERY surprised with the result!
Blessings to you and yours!
© 2008 Scotty Ward
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