| Ability vs. Availability |
Ability vs. Availability
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the
power may be of God and not of us.
— 2 Corinthians 4:7
When Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, it was a
source of complete amazement that these untrained laymen could be
so well-versed in the Scriptures—and more importantly, in their
understanding. They were ordinary fishermen, salt-of-the-earth-type
people. This doesn't mean they were illiterate. But they had not
attended the rabbinical schools or spent their lives in the study of the
Scripture.
Acts 4:13 tells us that when these religious leaders "saw the boldness
of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and
untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with
Jesus." These simple fishermen appeared to be better-equipped than
the professionals were. How did this happen? The disciples had been
with Jesus. They were boldly sharing their faith. They knew the
Scriptures. They were men who prayed.
This should give hope and encouragement to those who think of
themselves as ordinary people. Maybe God has not called you to be a
pastor, a missionary, or some professional ministry position. But God
can use you too. It is clear that He is looking for ordinary men and
women to bring the gospel message to others.
God can use you where you are. The opportunities are there. There is a
mission field where you work. There is a mission field where you go to
school. There is a mission field in your neighborhood. You are God's
representative, and He is calling you to go into this world and speak up
for Him. God is not looking so much for ability as He is looking for
availability. So make yourself available to Him.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the
power may be of God and not of us.
— 2 Corinthians 4:7
When Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, it was a
source of complete amazement that these untrained laymen could be
so well-versed in the Scriptures—and more importantly, in their
understanding. They were ordinary fishermen, salt-of-the-earth-type
people. This doesn't mean they were illiterate. But they had not
attended the rabbinical schools or spent their lives in the study of the
Scripture.
Acts 4:13 tells us that when these religious leaders "saw the boldness
of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and
untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with
Jesus." These simple fishermen appeared to be better-equipped than
the professionals were. How did this happen? The disciples had been
with Jesus. They were boldly sharing their faith. They knew the
Scriptures. They were men who prayed.
This should give hope and encouragement to those who think of
themselves as ordinary people. Maybe God has not called you to be a
pastor, a missionary, or some professional ministry position. But God
can use you too. It is clear that He is looking for ordinary men and
women to bring the gospel message to others.
God can use you where you are. The opportunities are there. There is a
mission field where you work. There is a mission field where you go to
school. There is a mission field in your neighborhood. You are God's
representative, and He is calling you to go into this world and speak up
for Him. God is not looking so much for ability as He is looking for
availability. So make yourself available to Him.
| C4W Devotions are used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000 Riverside , CA 92514 |