Ever been given an assignment or sent on a mission for which you felt completely unprepared? I remember it happening to me… I protested, presented my argument, but the person hiring me (who happened to be the “boss”) told me, “don’t worry, I’ll teach you and train you how to do it!” And he did – and I’d have to say his preparation, training, and patience have borne fruit in everything I’ve had to do since then to fulfill God’s call upon my life!
I read a passage this morning during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” that brought that to mind… Who would have EVER GUESSED Apostle Paul was the guy to be selected and commissioned to be “apostle to the Gentiles?” I mean read this personal profile and think about it… Paul said, “I was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness, under the law blameless.” But then he want on to say… “Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ!” (Philippians 3:5-7 ESV)
And the Lord knew what He was doing – and the Lord prepared him! … That’s right, surprising as it may seem based upon his resume and educational background – “APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES!”
So here’s what I read this morning… Paul’s testimony: “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of His power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, TO PREACH TO THE GENTILES THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST!” (From Ephesians 3:7–8 ESV)
Hey, I’m a Gentile! I’ve got to tell you, I’m so glad Paul said “yes” to the Savior! And if you’re a Gentile (and not a Jew), you ought to be glad as well! [As an aside, Peter is called “Apostle to the Jews” cp. Galatians 2:7-8.] And the point? If God has redeemed you, and called you – even if you feel unworthy, incapable, and unprepared – He can prepare you, equip you and use you! Praise the Lord!!! Say “YES!” to Him!
Coffee With The Lord 