This weeks study Heather has asked us to focus on our abilities. When I first saw the subject, I will admit I moaned. I don’t have any “strong” abilities. I guess being a Mom is an ability. Being a wife is one also. I always wanted to be a singer, but the Lord did not bless me with the voice. I always had the desire to do something that would make a difference after I am gone. I like writing also but I am poor in grammar, spelling, and all the important things that go with it. Heather did say something that struck a cord though:
Many times the Lord uses our abilities, though not in the way that we may expect. He loves to work in our weaknesses. More often than not He will use something that I have an ability in, but instead of the areas where I am strongest He uses my weaknesses.
Right there sums up everything the Lord has had me do. He took things I feared, maybe underdeveloped strengths I had and used them. One example was several years ago, I was still fairly new to my church. I was part of a Beth Moore bible study “Jesus The One & Only”, I loved the facilitator she was wonderful. But two weeks into the lessons she fell and broke her hip. She was not going to be able to continue. She asked me to take over her class. I was shocked, and I got on my knees and said, “Lord, I can’t do this” and he said “oh yes you can”. Well I did and it turned out great, and the next study the sweet lady and I co-taught.
Sometimes I think it may be a lack of confidence, so the Lord has to push me into situations. He knows, if I strongly know it is His will I will not say no, no matter what it is. But I may do it with much complaining and fear. One quote I tend to live by, and make my focus is:
God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.
So I have faith that no matter what God calls me to do, whether I have the ability or not he will equip me with all I need to be successful. God never wants to see us fail, he likes for us to be successful. And you know what He is our biggest cheerleader. If you have God cheering for you, who cares what anyone else thinks. Whether you think you have the ability or not, all God asks you to do is take the first step and he will provide the rest.
I love that quote. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. That’s so true.
I’m like you about pushing myself out of my comfort zone to do something I’m not confident about. And like you, it usually turns out well and I discover it was good for me.
What a great response to Heather’s question. Good job.
I totally agree with you that God will equip us if we are called. I also agree with your comment on my post about if we always say yes, someone else who needs to might never step up.
I think that your willingness to serve, coupled with your humility, which you call a lack of self-confidence, but I like my term better
, will enable you to keep serving Him well.
This was a very good post and exactly what I needed to hear. That pushing out of the comfort zone is a hard thing. Some of us really tend to dig our heals in and then find out it really was a blessing after all. God does know best after all.
I’ve never met you except through your blog, and I have always thought of you as a strong person!
I’m finally getting around to blog updating, so…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Many many happy and joyful Blessings!
I loved this post of yours. Reminds me of, “Lord, I am not able, but available.” I don’t feel real equipped at this time, but have been really opening up to God’s working in my life. Your post really pricked my heart today. Thank you for sharing!
That’s about where I am right now also
I have learned through experience that God doesn’t want me doing what I am comfortable with…He wants me where I can grow…..whether I think I am ready or not 
What an excellent post. Yes, when we try to equip ourselves for what we want…havok results! I am solid proof of that!
I also wanted to wish you a belated Happy Birthday!
God Bless!
Excellent Laurel, this is very true. No matter where our strengths lie he is likely to use the very thing we are least proficient in. He gives us exactly what we need to do what He has called us to.
Amen, Laurel…Too funny — I kind of moaned too. I started to write my post this morning, but got stuck. But I think I can now finish it tomorrow morning
…Thank you for giving me some thouhgts for my own post…