Qualified for the Position
You stare at your computer screen gawking at the job profile. You are trying to convince yourself the job is totally out of your reach. You don’t have the experience, the schooling, or even the basic understanding of the job qualifications, but with one click the application now spits out of your printer awaiting your clever response.
I wonder when Moses or Mary when met with divine or angelic visitations spelling out their job qualifications if they felt fit or fearful? We know Moses responded to the Lord with hesitation and rebutted that his speech was less than desirable to listen to. Mary actually questioned the angel, but then submitted herself to the assignment. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).
None of us are any different than the Bible characters whom we applaud. We marvel at their valiant spiritual efforts and feats wondering if we could ever match their fervor. Like our Biblical hero counterparts, we count ourselves out before we are ever even “in.” Moses stuttered, David was too small-framed, Sampson was easily tempted, Peter talked too much, and Paul, (once a Saul) was really mean! But God saw something useful in each of them. And God sees something in you too, despite feeling unqualified for the job He has called you to.
A promising resumé
My husband, Kurt and I were both saved and felt a call to ministry as children. After we met in our 20’s, those confirmations of ministry began to increase. Yet, we were already full-time in the education field. God continued to tap on our shoulders, and we began making some big decisions. Kurt enrolled in Berean School of the Bible, and I had resigned from teaching to be at home with our first baby. Soon, another big decision sat before us, as Kurt was offered an associate role at our church. We decided to take the plunge, clinging to Jesus the whole time. Withing the first two weeks on-the-job, Kurt found himself doubting his qualifications for the job. At a Saturday morning men’s breakfast, he sat with a wise, seasoned evangelist from our area. Over that meal, they discussed some of the finite areas of ministry, calling and personal shortcomings. This gentleman wrote the following on a napkin, and slid it across the table to Kurt:
God doesn’t call the QUALIFIED, He qualifies the CALLED.
Those words resonated with Kurt’s heart and fueled his fire to fully submit to the call of God on His life committing to consistent forward motion.
What is God’s job description for you?
What is HE asking of you in this season? God is the Headhunter of the greatest Fortune 500 you could ever work for! As you have reviewed His job description for you, do you debate with the Lord on whether you can do it? Or do you submit to His plan? “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” Colossians 3:23. And, if I’m not mistaken, “you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!” (Phil 4:13). No matter how lengthy the job qualifications are, or the job requirements, or even the prerequisites, He must think you are capable. He trusts you with the tasks at hand.
Don’t let your personality, character flaws, or even your strengths become a crutch to your success.
Just because you might be more introverted, doesn’t mean that you cannot lead a presentation at work, or teach a class at church. Just because you can’t bake a souffle, doesn’t eliminate you from blessing someone with a meal. God uses, stretches, and adds to our gifts, so long as we are putting them to good use. (Parable of the talent, Matt 25:14-30). And remember, God is always refining the areas in our life that need a little smoothing. The beauty of the job position is that upon our acceptance, He works with us to see us excel! He doesn’t just leave us hanging out to dry to figure it out! In fact, Philippians 2:13, says, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
And Ephesians 2:10 encourages us, that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
What is always interesting to me about these verses is that God had my job description all figured out a long time ago. He crafted the tools I needed to carry out the assignments, and it becomes His pleasure to see His work accomplished through us! Kinda crazy, right?! I mean, He’s perfect and could get the job done all by Himself in a sinch, but He chooses to use us!
Draw from His resources
When starting any new job, an employee would want to know the specifics and requirements for the work environment. Do I wear a uniform? Do I need specific tools? Do I need to learn new programming? Listen, God has all the Excel sheets in order, PowerPoints lined up, and all machines well-oiled. Read His Manual, the Word, to guide you through the newness of this new j-o-b. Whatever HE has called you to, the pay will be great, and the job perks unbelievable! Psalm 103: 1-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
Knowing the Lord offers a 401K that cannot be beaten! The health benefits are bar none. This job contract provides a redeemed life, one crowned with love and mercy. And there’s no fine print. Not a bad deal at all.
So, sign on the dotted line
Any new job can be intimidating. Especially when your boss is the King of Kings. But refuse to let your mind be tainted by self-sabotaging chatter that you are unqualified. If God called you to it, He will see you through it! You will be amazed and climb His ladder of success!
God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. And listen, girlfriend, you are CALLED. Just make sure you answer.
So, put together a new outfit and pack a lunch for your first day on the job!
Just give Him your best, and He’ll do the rest.
He will get the glory, and you’ll get the story.
You and Jesus got this!!
