by Kala Loptien

His Work & Will

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21 English Standard Version 

Our very wise pastor once spoke a phrase during a sermon that continues to stick with me. It was one of those moments that caused both me and my husband to simultaneously turn to each other, eyebrows raised. He said, “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” I hurriedly typed and saved it in my notes.

We spend the majority of our lives attempting to qualify for one thing or another: school, jobs, competitions, relationships. There are often metrics, prerequisites or unspoken rules that exist in order to be considered capable or even subpar. Strive as we might, titles, credentials and self-help strategies never quite offer that fullness of joy, do they? Sure, temporarily, we may feel good about what we’ve accomplished, changes we’ve made and the “good things” we’ve done. It’s fleeting. No matter how hard we try, we’ll tread on this hamster wheel if we never recognize the one true, empowering, sustaining, fulfilling source of life.

We’ve been chosen, set apart and called by the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He created us just as we are, shaping/sanctifying us to fit very specific plans. Think about all the saints before us. Are they already perfect people, with perfect records and resumes? Certainly not! Just like them, we too are qualified because of the one who called us. He equips us with the words, the strength, the testimonies, gifts, prayers and perseverance to live out our calling with confidence.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado