You ARE Qualified

I {Bethany} am preparing to take a HUGE step outside of my comfort zone. I have accepted the position of facilitator for a group of women who will be studying through Fervent.

What was I thinking?!

Here's where the problem lies...I am completely content being behind the scenes. I'm always the one who is making sure what is unseen runs smoothly and without hiccups.

I have never been one to search out the spotlight whether it be large or small. I actually feel very out-of-place when I have to be in front of others, especially when I'm leading or speaking.

But, apparently God feels that it's time for me to move past this contentment. There's no better way to make me get over hating the limelight than to put me right smack dab in the middle of the glaring spotlight, throwing me into a season of discontentment and unease.

I was fine right where I was — safe inside my small, safe shell. Besides....who am I to teach other women about the Bible and prayer?

I'm not qualified to teach other women about God's word, or speak to them about His glory. I don't have a biblical degree or been formally educated about His word. I just simply read my bible.

Let me add to my list of disqualifications...I always hated public speaking and never, ever desire to have all eyes on me. I'm not an extroverted, peppy cheerleader, not that there's anything wrong with women like this— I actually envy those women, yes I know, wrong— but I have never been one to walk into a room and command the attention of every person there.

I was chatting with Mandy about this one night and she reminded me of someone else who felt he was unqualified to fulfill God's calling — Moses.

No matter how many times Moses told God he was not qualified, God responded with a counter. One example of Moses trying to disqualify himself with God is:

"Moses said to the Lord, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past not since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'" {Exodus 4:10 NIV}

Moses is telling God just how much he fails at public speaking, and boy, can I completely relate. But, then God answers with...

"The Lord said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lords? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'" {Exodus 4:11-12}

Like I mentioned before, this is just one example of how Moses was trying to tell God how unqualified he was to fulfill God's calling for him.

Have you ever acted like Moses?

Have you argued with God and told Him that you are not the right person for the job?

Have you told God that you don't have the skills needed for the job?

Have you disobeyed God because YOU felt God was wrong in calling upon you?

We don't have to be qualified for God's placement. If we just obey His calling He will make sure we have the necessary skills to accomplish the job He places before us and then He will walk by our sides as we show the world His glory through the works we do.

If you are hearing God's call and feel a small nudge towards a specific task in your life, will you join me in taking a leap of faith, knowing that God will be there with you, and accept His calling.

Remember, God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Through Him you have all the qualifications you need for the job.

You never know all the good He can do through you until you accept the challenge!

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