November 30, 2022
You’ve Got the Gear for Great Things!
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).
Friend to Friend
Pretend with me for a moment. Let’s say you are on an island in the Pacific. Pick an island, any island, but make it a tropical, lush, and beautiful one. You walk out onto the porch and see some equipment laid out just for you. You know what it is, and you know what it’s for. You’re excited! You’ve always wanted to do this, but never had the right gear.
You slip into a black sleek wet suit, zip up the front closure, and most likely marvel at the way it holds everything in. Then you squeeze your feet into squeaky black flippers. I know they’re tight, but go ahead and wiggle your feet in. Next, you strap a heavy oxygen tank on your back. One arm. Now the other. Finally, you slip a face mask over your nose and eyes, and place a mouthpiece between your lips.
But rather than heading out to the ocean to explore the marvelous coral reef, vibrant fish, and swaying flora, you turn around, go back into the house, fill up the bathtub, and settle in.
What a silly picture. If I was there with you, I’d march right into that bathroom and say, “What are you doing in that tub? Get out there in the ocean where you belong!” But then, I remember that I have acted out the very same silliness time and time again.
So many of us are equipped to live the abundant life in Christ but don’t even know it. We suit up, but settle in. We resign ourselves to living the mediocre faith void of vibrancy, wonderment, and awe. Don’t head to the bathtub with your scuba equipment on. Head out to the ocean of preordained opportunity and experience all that God has for you. You’ve already got the gear. It’s just up to you to jump in.
Think about Moses. He had everything he needed to accomplish the task God had pre-ordained for him to do. He was saved by the Pharaoh’s daughter, raised in the Pharaoh’s house, trained in the Egyptians’ ways, and taught the Egyptian language. He was “powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22). God had been preparing him for what He had prepared for him.
But by the time Moses had failed in Egypt and bailed to the desert of Midian he had forgotten all that.
He was like a scuba diver in a bathtub of self-pity.
When God called Moses to a great adventure at the burning bush, Moses argued and told God all the reasons why He had the wrong man for the job. He was suited up for great things and didn’t even know it.
He said, “Who am I, that I should go…?” (Exodus 3:11). “What if they don’t believe me…?” (Exodus 4:1). “I’m not a good speaker! Pick someone else!” (Exodus 4:10 paraphrased). Ouch. I think I’ve said those same things too! Have you?
So here’s my question for us to ponder today: What will we say to God when He calls our name or taps us on the shoulder and says, “Now’s the time?”
Perhaps today is that day.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I know that You have equipped me with spiritual gifts…Your Word says so. I know that You have empowered me with the power of the Holy Spirit…Your Word says so. I know that you have a purpose and a plan for me…Your Word says so. Help me to suit up and head out on the adventurous faith You’ve called me to. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Let’s look up the verses to back up the prayer you just prayed and see what you can learn.
Ephesians 1:13-14; 17-19
What are some ways that God has been preparing you for what He has prepared for you? Click on comment and let’s share.
More from the Girlfriends
Also, if you need a reminder of who you are in Christ, check out Sharon’s laminated prayer cards filled with Scriptures about your true identity!
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© 2022 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Wednesday, 30 November 2022.
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