“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.” 1Sa 16:7 NIV
Taken from The Word For You Today – December 28, 2009
Comments by Rev. Susie Owens
Some of the greatest people in the Bible considered themselves unqualified. Moses told God he wasn’t a good speaker. Gideon told God he didn’t have the right family background. Jeremiah told God he felt as helpless as a child. Paul described himself as the chief of sinners and the least of the apostles. Everyone, including Samuel the prophet, thought David wasn’t qualified to become king. But God thought differently!
We decided to retell the story about a newly hired traveling salesman who sent his first sales report to the head office, because its truth is timeless. When the report reached them they were stunned. The new salesman wrote,”I seen this outfit which ain’t never bot nuthin from us and I sole them a lotta goods. Now I’m going to Chicawgo.” Before the sales manager could fire him, along came a second report. “I come here to Chicawgo and sole them over a millyun.” Fearful if he fired the salesman and concerned if he didn’t, the sales manager dumped the problem into the lap of the company president. The following morning the sales department was amazed to see a memo from the president posted on the bulletin board beside the saleman’s two letters. It said, “We ben spending two much time tryin to spel and not enuf tryin to sel. Let’s watch those sails. I want everybody should read these two letters from Gooch, who is on the rode doin a grate job for us, and you should go out and do like he dun.” Degrees and titles are fine things, but armed with intuition and initiative, plus God’s help you are qualified!
My afterthoughts: God see’s us so completely different from who we think we are and where we are going. He see’s us through loving eyes and heart. If back in the early Bible days everyone waited until THEY felt they were qualified. Nothing that needed to fulfill there calling and Bible prophesy would have ever gotten done. And same with us…if we waited until everything was perfect or we had enough training we wouldn’t be able to do what we are to do and are doing. Take having children, they don’t come with a manual. It is inside us our nurturing, loving ability to meet their needs and raise our children. Yes, mistakes are made and it is on the job training. Days of old in the Bible were the same. But Jesus came and fulfilled His qualified position so that our inheritance of birth qualified could be fulfilled. As long as we have a willing obedient heart and do as we are led. We through God’s grace strength and what Jesus did for us at Calvary. We are qualified! There is always going to be judgmental critical people who think we aren’t in every aspect of our lives. I once read in a poetry book. If you could see yourself but for a moment as I see you, you would never see yourself in the same way. That sounds simple but very deep and profound. If we could see ourselves through God’s eyes but for a moment, we would love ourselves and have a new confidence birthed immediately. He has given us everything in His Word to live by, even the mistakes and sin’s of others that went before us as guide lines. And look at what they accomplished for His kingdom! And He forgives us of our sins and He has put in us the ability to overcome and be achievers through His mighty name. The name above all names our Savior lives in us, through us, and for us…who can fail in life when we walk with Him and follow after His footsteps as marking our way of life and the direction. Love the Lord with all your heart and follow after Him seeking Him first in all things…letting Him guide you through every trial and victory to be used for His glory and testimony and witness just like the early Bible relatives did for us…the ultimate qualifications for anything may be written down as the world see’s them in degree’s and other ways of proof. But the only one who is qualified to qualify us IS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST who lives in our hearts and knows all that is within and all we can accomplish through Him. Which is, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” That says it all. Be all that He intends for you to be and the world will be a better place and you will leave a road map for others to follow Him through your walk also… Have a blessed and awesome day in newness of life lived for Him!
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