There is an unusual pattern found throughout the pages of scripture. We witness it in the lives of people like Moses, Gideon, Rahab, Jonah, and the twelve disciples. Interestingly, God calls the most unlikely candidates to accomplish the most amazing things over and over again.
God repeatedly uses ordinary people for seemingly impossible assignments. He transforms adulterers, murders, prostitutes, criminals, outcasts, and nobodies into world-changers. God goes out of His way to select candidates that, according to the world’s standards, don’t have what it takes.
Moses was a wash-up old man living on the backside of the desert. Gideon was scared of his own shadow. Rahab was a prostitute. Jonah needed intervention for anger management. The disciples were a rag-tag group of nobodies. Yet God used all of them to advance His mission in ways that turned the world upside-down.
The Apostle Paul writes, “I was the worst sinner of all” (1 Tim. 1:15). However, that didn’t stop God from using him to reach the continent of Europe with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to mention, Paul authored half the books of the New Testament.
These candidates knew they weren’t good enough. They readily admitted their weaknesses. They had no visions of grandeur. They weren’t gunning for a big promotion or a better position. Most of them tried to talk God into choosing someone else. Nonetheless, God used all of these people in ways that exceeded their natural abilities.
Overcoming The Impossible
What can we learn from these biblical heroes? That we’re more valuable to God when we realize that we can’t accomplish anything of eternal significance without the Holy Spirit. I call it being “in over my head,” and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
From day one of answering the call to preach, I feel like I’ve been in over my head. I’ve always felt unqualified for the task at hand. I’ve not had enough experience for any assignment I’ve found myself in. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t have hired me.
Years ago, my lack of experience bothered me, but not anymore. Looking back, I understand precisely what God was doing. Jesus specializes in calling imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan. The Holy Spirit fills ordinary men and women to overcome impossible situations. That way, He gets all the glory!
Where You Need To Be
If you currently feel like you’re in over your head, chances are, you’re right where you need to be. If you’re not in over your head, it’s time to take a leap of faith and jump in deeper. Considering how God uses overwhelming situations to make us more like Jesus, why would we want to be anywhere else?
After taking the plunge, if you find yourself panicking, remember who led you there and trust Him to hold you up. I can’t count how many times God’s given me the right words at the right time. Whether it be ministering to a grieving friend, praying with a stranger, leading someone to Christ, defending the faith (apologetics), and even more complicated situations, God always comes through.
To this day, I can’t describe how unworthy I feel to stand in a pulpit and preach God’s Word. Yet the further I go with Jesus, the more confident I become that He puts the right words on my lips. With God, you don’t have to be the most talented, creative, innovative, or successful; you just have to be willing.
So, instead of asking God to rescue you from the rising water, maybe it is time to dive headfirst into the current. In other words, instead of asking God to get you out of your current situations or relationships, maybe it’s time to ask Him to use you in it. Since you know He will bring you through it, your focus should not be getting out. Instead, you should ask God to reveal how He wants to use you right where you are.
Less Is More
Sadly, many Christians, a lot of pastors and leaders, countless churches, and numerous denominations could carry on without missing a beat whether Jesus ever showed up or not. When we get to the place in our lives and ministries where we aren’t dependent on Him for the results, God becomes a side note to our plans, which never works out well.
So, if you feel like you’re in over your head or don’t have what it takes, I say good. That means you’re the perfect candidate for God to use to advance His mission. Never forget, God uses the least to accomplish the most. In other words, with Jesus, less is more.
Brian L Powell 