Nov 10

It is true that if God calls any of his people to serve him in a capacity that requires training beyond the normal called for, then the one dedicated to God and serving him will enter into the various programs, such as colleges or seminaries, devoted to such training.

But it is just as true that often God calls people to serve him in circumstances for which he himself directly provides the training, often using life circumstances themselves to provide that training. It does not matter which way one feels called, as long as it is God who is doing the calling and we respond in love and faithfulness.

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things . . . " (1 Cor.1:26-28).

Are you one of those not gifted with great intellectual ability or artistic gifts, or athletic prowess or seemingly any other talent that makes the world take notice of you? Do not feel left out or unworthy to be used by God. He loves to use people just such as you to carry out his work. For that way everyone knows that it is not you who has helped transform the lives of those you interact with, but God.

Do not lose heart, but rejoice that God has chosen to make you so "ordinary" so that you will find acceptance by the mass of other "ordinary" people he has made. They will feel comfortable talking with you when they would not if a multi-talented, superstar approached them with the gospel.

Scripture for today: 2 Cor. 4:16
Thought for today: My ordinariness can produce extraordinary results when I offer that ordinariness to God.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to keep my eyes off of my own weaknesses and feelings of unworthiness and to focus them on your strengths and the worthiness you give me in Christ.

NOV 10