E-votional - Ability
January 24, 2003

Verse:

"When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians.”

Ephesians 3:8 (The Message)

Thought:

We have heard it, perhaps from our own mouth, "I just do not have what it takes to really serve in the church. "People know me too well." "I just don't know enough to be able to help or serve" Maybe it sounds like "I don't talk around people so good." Basically, the story being shared is one of not having the "ability" that is necessary to serve God.

Hear the Good News, the only ability God needs us to have in order to be an effective servant is "avail-ability". Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? Well, being available means more than mere presence, it means commitment. Throughout human history, the ones who have made a difference in the world have been the ones who have been committed, available and willing to serve. In the Torah, we hear of Moses, in Neviim, we hear of Samuel and even David. When God called Nehemiah and Daniel to be a prophetic voice, they did not posses special ability, but availability. Being able to serve God relies on one ability and one ability alone, and that is availability. You and I each have the ability to make a difference, if not the difference in another person's life. Let's begin now.

Prayer: 

   Gracious Father in heaven, You have always been available for me to, even during the times when I have not given You a second thought, and for this I give you thanks. When I feel discouraged and do not feel like I be the servant You need, please remind me that all You need from me is a committed heart and soul. Strengthen me when I feel like I can't be the person You have called me to be and let me do all You have called me to do. Thank You for all You have done and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.