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Does God Equip the Called?

4/1/2016

10 Comments

 
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​I think we’ve all heard this phrase before:
God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.
​But is this really true? Do I have to sit around and wait for God to call me to something magnificent before I can begin to practice anything? Before He can grow me?
 
Let’s look at an example:
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
-Matthew 4: 18-22
Jesus definitely went on to teach and equip these men further—there is no doubt about that! But weren’t they already a little equipped before they began? Wasn’t that part of God’s plan? Hadn’t they learned patience, perseverance, and how to ride the roller coaster of fishing? Most certainly!  They were already equipped and then they were called—and then equipped further.
 
For so long, I used that phrase as a cop out. A way to say, “I’ll wait for God to equip me before I am obedient to His word.” Once God calls me to be a skilled evangelist, I’ll start practicing.
 
Or, I confused myself by thinking, “I’m already skilled at writing, what is God going to make me do?”  If I am already equipped in this one area, and He doesn’t call equipped—is He going to call me to music? That didn’t sound fun or effective for His Kingdom…
 
While I just admitted how I have used that phrase, I think this quote can give courage when we are scared to actually walk out God’s call for our life.  It reminds us that God’s got our back. That he will give us wisdom when we need it. And He will; after all, all wisdom is God’s wisdom.
 
If you’re repeating the quote in this way, the give me courage way, then keep repeating it to yourself! God does got your back. He will support you. And it is safe to walk out God’s call for your life.
 
But, if you identified with either of the ways that I have used that quote to keep myself from stepping out in faith—remind yourself what you know to be true about God. That’s what helped me.
 
-You don’t have to be perfect at something in order for God to use you. God’s perfection can work in you.
 
-God does further equip the already equipped. Before and after the call.
 
-God wants you to trust Him. He has the best plan for your life. ​

If you're interested in learning more about your talents and how God wants to use them to grow His kingdom, I highly recommend stopping by the Missional Women Store. Grab a copy of a workbook created by our host, Laura Krokos, called "Discovering God's Call For Your Life."  

The topics I had to work through in that book is why I'll be trusting God with going into full-time ministry. I couldn't recommend it enough. 

About Jacque

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Jacque is the Missional Women Intern and a college student in Denver, CO who balances her time between trying to go to class and learning about His saving grace and perfect love as much as she can.  She is a twenty something, DIY attempting, Jesus loving, Denver living, small town rooted, Colorado sports fan.  She loves black coffee, long conversations and watching people do what God created them for. You can find her Christian Twenty Somethings blog at Desperately Dependent. ​​

If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.

Sharing this over at these awesome blogs.
10 Comments
Kathy link
4/5/2016 09:27:22 am

This comes at a perfect time as I'm launching a new project and tend to sit on the fence wondering if I can do it..if it's God's will..God will equip us..I needed to remember this today! Visiting from next door at #TestimonyTuesday!

Reply
Jacque K.
1/14/2017 08:21:15 am

Thanks for visiting from a LinkUp! He is so faithful to come through in huge ways when we walk in obedience. Prayed for you!

Reply
~ linda link
4/5/2016 09:35:55 am

Jacque, this is especially pertinent and so grateful that you are my neighbor at Kelly's today. I often question what I am supposed to be doing, yet when I am walking closely to God, and have my ears open, I feel like I am following the One Who is calling me.
Thanks for a fine devotional.

Reply
Jacque K.
1/14/2017 08:22:23 am

Hi, Linda! Thanks for visiting from a LinkUp! I also question what I'm supposed to be doing, but I think that He is faithful to make a clear call onto our lives. I've learned that praying for provision instead of direction is sometimes the best way to go.

Reply
Lydia Borengasser link
4/6/2016 06:22:30 pm

Great observation! I think you're right - that quote could certainly be misleading! When he calls us, we are already equipped, but then he continues to equip us to do what he has called us to do!

Reply
Jacque K.
1/14/2017 08:23:00 am

You said that so well! It's exactly my heart behind writing this. Thanks for reading and commenting! :)

Reply
Brooke @thevinepress.org link
4/7/2016 01:39:32 pm

Yes, love this! I find the more I step out and try stuff with Jesus, the more He has room to train and equip me along the way. And as He leads me on the path, I discover more of what I'm "called" to do. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Jacque K.
1/14/2017 08:23:33 am

I've been living that the last few months. The more I'm willing to learn, the more he's willing to teach me.

Reply
Lori Young link
5/19/2016 10:11:32 am

I love this post. I think it's a great reminder that in that throughout this particular story- He had already given them all they needed. He is calling us to be aware of what we already have and use our gifts in new ways that stretch us to serve Him. Writing may be a part, just might be used entirely different than we ourselves would naturally go and do. He can do immeasurably more if we get out of the way. But I agree, it doesn't ever mean we get to excuse ourselves from doing... He's working out the plan long before we ever get the nudge or call... We can manufacture anything with our own creativity, but when it's all Him.. We need a great deal of courage to believe He's going to provide what we feel so unequipped or inadequate to do.

Reply
Jacque K.
1/14/2017 08:25:14 am

I like what you brought up about feelings. I agree 100%. Feelings can get in the way. I love how we can pray for God to work in even that.

Reply



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  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
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      • Evangelism {Win}
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      • Devotionals
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  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
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  • Retreat
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    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
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