We have to do what we can and we set up the constructs, formats, methods and processes to help us with that.
There are times and places, however, where it’s important to be reminded again of the limitations of what we set up.
When they heard who was going to take up the challenge, some of them chuckled and others thought it was some sort of a joke. Here they were, seasoned and hardened veterans of war who had seen it all. They knew their limitations and in the face of this opponent, this Goliath, they knew there was no way they could win. But this kid was going up against him? This little punk? What’s his credentials? He’s a shepherd? He’s never been on the battlefield like us before? You mean we’re putting all our hopes on that pipsqueak who has never worn armour and wielded a sword a day in his life? What’s he got? A sling and some stones? Are you serious? You cannot be serious.
So who is the mother of our saviour? Who? Her? She’s just a girl. Where does she come from? There? That place? Who comes from there? What has she done, has she done anything? Is she good people, does she come from good stock? Who? From where? Are you kidding me right now? I’m supposed to believe that the hope for my people is supposed to come from there? Are you serious? You cannot be serious.
OK so who’s helping us spread this message? Wait, what? This guy? This is the same one that took out the entire family in Jersualem and had them locked up. This is the one who encouraged everyone as they stoned Stephen to death. This is the same one who has been going around clearly on a purge for all of us who believe in the message. Come on, you want me to trust this guy? I know for a fact that he had permission to come out here and round up more of us and you know he wasn’t doing it for a prayer meeting. This guy is lethal – we are all public enemy number one to this guy. And I’m supposed to believe I can trust this guy to go spreading the message? I believe in miracles like the next guy, but this? Are you serious? You cannot be serious.
The reassuring reality of these and other biblical episodes is that they highlight how God really does not see your experience or lack of it as a hindrance. He takes it as a delight to get the least likely to become the way through which His purposes can be fulfilled in any realm you can mention. In the political arena – God can raise the most unlikely. In the educational sector – God can raise the least likely. In the religious section – God can raise the one no one would possibly consider. In any given aspect of life God is free to choose who He wants and who He wants won’t always fit who we deem most appropriate. Oh and be careful, because you might just be the person He has in mind.
And when we ask, God is happy to display with glorious outcomes, just how serious He is.
(Photo by Nick Abrams on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 