Whitnee's journey with Christ

Applying the Bible:

Paul invites The Corinthian believers to “consider your own call” (v26). We are called by God into a life of faith and ministry. Some are called to be set apart for ordination. Others are called to serve a small group leaders, or to work with young people, or in a particular mission outside the walls of the church building. Each call is as unique as the individual, and each call is an outcome of following Christ. Have you ever felt that God did not call you at all or that your gifts and abilities are not worthy of God‘s call? How does Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians also encourage you? What would it take for you to believe that God can work powerfully and with deep wisdom through your willingness to answer the call? 

Todays message is a continuation to yesterdays message about being available to the Lord. I included a portion of a Sunday school lesson that really stood out to me. What are your thoughts on applying the Bible above? What stood out to you? Did you take time to answer the questions? Was it a source of encouragement? My hope is by reading todays scripture, applying the Bible, soul searching and answering the questions listed above, and by reading todays message you are well on your way to God’s calling for your life.

Do you remember being in grade school and having to write paragraphs that seemed to get longer the older you got? I surely remember those! While other little kids couldn’t stand the thought of having to write papers unless it was free writing, I was up for challenge. Early on, I always loved to write. I would write short stories, poems, skits, you name it. My Grandma Mutter knew it to. She told my dad when I was probably 7 or 8 that, “I had a way with words and not to beat me for the way I spoke because one day I would use those words for good.”

Grandma Mutter planted a seed. God placed it on her heart and my parents brought me the paper, markers, pens, pencils, journals, and all of the things I needed to write. No wonder I can write mini books daily and it doesn’t faze me?! And fast forward to today, I believe one of my callings is to use my words to try and encourage others.

I know I’ve shared that story before I wanted those reading todays message not to underestimate what’s inside of you. Some of you are homemakers, artists, encouragers, leaders, bankers, crafters, thrifters, etc. all in which can be used to glorify God.

Look at verse 27 above- God loves to use the weak and foolish people and things. Why is that? Most folks would look down on these things and people- most people would simply ignore them or not think they are worthy. But God is showing His power by using all things.

We can start by using our skills and abilities that we are most comfortable with but we have to be willing to get out of comfort zone and fully walk in our calling- God gives us the strength.

So I’ll put myself on the spot. I’ll write in a heartbeat but ask me to speak in front of people, I cower really fast. I’ll send a prayer to someone with the quickness, but asking me to pray in front of a crowd I seem to get intimidated. And don’t ask me to teach in front of a crowd whose eyeing me down, you wouldn’t think I graduated from pre-K. Call it nerves or whatever but in certain instances I get out of my comfort zone, and just do it! I want to be an Evangelist and I know all of the above comes with that territory so given the opportunity, I will do it even if I’m shaking in my boots while doing it.

John didn’t apply for the seminary before he preached the Word. David didn’t have a degree in music but he recognized the importance of music when it came to worshipping God. Jesus didn’t have a medical license, but He healed the sick.

Sometimes we get so caught up in titles, degrees, or extensive experience we psych ourselves out of jobs, positions within the church, on community action boards, etc. (I’m not talking about y’all, I’m talking about myself). So when we went over this lesson in Sunday school it was dear to me.

Simply put: What is stopping you from serving God and others?

Praying with the Bible:

Is it easier for you to recognize God‘s power and wisdom at work in Christ crucifixion then recognize God‘s power and wisdom working in you? Reflect on times when you have been surprised by the ways you were able to serve God or others. How has God used your weakest traits? Do you tend to offer God only the skills and abilities that make you feel comfortable or confident? Pray about how God might be calling you specifically because of one of the ways you feel foolish or weak. Ask God to transform your weakness and your foolishness, and to use them for good. Pray for the courage to proclaim Christ even in your most uncomfortable moments.