Embracing God's Call: He Doesn't Do Background Checks
In a world often governed by resumes, references, and background checks, it's easy to believe that our past defines our future. Society tells us that our worth is measured by our accomplishments, our mistakes, and our ability to fit into predefined molds. But when it comes to God's calling, His criteria are vastly different. He doesn't sift through our past to determine if we're worthy of His purpose. Instead, He looks at our hearts and sees the potential for greatness within us.
Trusting in His Plan
One of the most comforting truths in the Bible is that God's plans for us are not contingent on our past. In Jeremiah 29:11, God assures us, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse reminds us that God's intentions are always for our good, regardless of our past mistakes or failures.
The Example of Moses
One powerful example of God using someone despite their past is found in the story of Moses. Before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was a murderer and a fugitive. Yet, God saw beyond Moses' past and focused on his potential to be a leader and a deliverer. In Exodus 3:10, God tells Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." Despite Moses' objections and insecurities, God used him to perform miraculous signs and lead His people to freedom.
Jesus Calls the Unlikely
Jesus Himself often chose unlikely candidates to be His disciples. In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, two fishermen, to follow Him and become fishers of men. Similarly, in Luke 5:27-32, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to be one of His disciples. These men were not religious leaders or scholars; they were ordinary people with flaws and shortcomings. Yet, Jesus saw something in them that others overlooked—their willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Personal Reflections
I can't help but find solace in the fact that God doesn't do background checks before calling us to fulfill His purpose. As someone who has made my fair share of mistakes and wrong turns in life, it's reassuring to know that God's grace is greater than my past. His love is not conditional on my performance or my past achievements. Instead, He sees me as His beloved child, with infinite potential to make a difference in the world.
Embracing God's call means letting go of the limitations we place on ourselves and allowing Him to work through us, despite our imperfections. It means saying yes to His plan, even when we feel unqualified or unworthy. As the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
When we surrender our past to God and allow Him to use us according to His purposes, we open ourselves up to a life of fulfillment and purpose beyond our wildest dreams. We become vessels through which God's love and grace can flow freely to those around us. As we step out in faith, trusting in His unfailing love and guidance, we will see miracles unfold and lives transformed.
Conclusion
In a world that often values credentials and accomplishments above all else, it's easy to feel inadequate and unworthy of God's calling. But the truth is, God sees us differently than the world does. He sees beyond our past mistakes and shortcomings and focuses on the potential He has placed within us. He doesn't do background checks to determine our worthiness; instead, He calls us according to His purposes and equips us with everything we need to fulfill them.
As we meditate on Scripture and reflect on the examples of Moses, the disciples, and countless others whom God has used despite their pasts, may we be encouraged to step out in faith and embrace the calling God has placed on our lives. May we trust in His plan, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. And may we never forget that with God, our past does not define our future—we are redeemed, chosen, and called according to His glorious purpose.
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