My first thought was why do we always assume Noah was an amateur? Genesis never says what Noah did for a trade. Sure, he never built a boat that big, no one had, but for all we know he was a skilled and gifted carpenter who had built smaller boats before. But let's assume he hadn't. God told him how to build it. We have the dimensions given, but I'd think it's safe to say that God gave Noah more direct and detailed guidance before and during the building of the ark that wasn't recorded in Genesis.
Let's face it, we're not really talking about the builders with the inspirational quote. We're referring to the designers. God designed the ark, and it's hard to say the creator of the universe and the maker of men would be an amateur when it came to designing anything. Noah simply followed the instructions of the architect and built what he was told to build in the way that he was told to build it.
And that's what I take from this saying. Don't be afraid to step out and do what God assigns you to do, whether you've ever done anything like it or not. No matter how much experience you have or don't, if it's in or out of your skill set or comfort zone. It is likely that God is going to ask us to do things in areas where we aren't experts. That way He gets the glory. There's no question His hand made it happen. But the wonderful thing is that no matter what He has us doing, He knows how it should be done to be successful. He is able to instruct and guide us and give us everything we need to be able to complete the task. What God calls us to do He will equip us to do, and if we do it as He directs, success will result for His glory, for the drawing of people to Him and for bringing us deeper into relationship with Him.
And what we do on our own, without Him? Well it could be great, or it could flop. It could look great but be vulnerable to disastrous mistakes. Professionals and skilled tradesmen do some amazing things. We benefit every day from people using their skills and gifts well. And of course, every one of them started out as first timers, beginners, even amateurs. Try new things and don't be afraid to fail. Use your gifts and skills and don't be ashamed to do things in your area. Both are good things to do. But if we want the best, it's not about trying new versus working at what we're good at. It all comes down to doing what God has called us to do.
Listen for the guidance of the Spirit and follow the instruction, leaning on the empowering grace of Christ. Then we can build whatever we need to build, love like Jesus loved, shine as bright as the Son and be a beautiful reflection of Daddy for all to see. It's not about our skills, our gifts, our professions or anything else. It's not about us. It's all about Him.We are able because He makes us so. So no matter what He asks of us, we can pick up the tools He gives us and construct it successfully. Don't be afraid to try Daddy's new thing for us, and stay faithful in the old things as well. So that whether we're an amateur or a professional at whatever we are doing, we give Him glory.
This site is free. If this blessed, helped and or informed you, the best thing you can do is pass it on via the social buttons below. And please subscribe or follow Unshackled Life Ministries on Facebook.
Unshackled Life Ministries is grateful for every person that reads the daily Unshackled Moments, the weekly Unshackled Echo and or listens to the Audio Messages. I want to thank those who have clicked "like" on something that blessed or ministered to them on social media, commented on the blog or replied to an email subscription. It is encouraging to know that God is using this ministry to help and bless others. Please remember that if God used something from this ministry to help, encourage or bless you, it could also bless someone else. Would you help get the devotions and sermons to more people by sharing this? Hitting the share button or forwarding this to a friend will help us reach more people with the good news of freedom and the encouragement to live an Unshackled Life. Thank you and God bless.
No comments:
Post a Comment