REJOICE THAT GOD USES WEAKNESS
Have you noticed the ‘funnel effect’ in kids’ sport?
When children are very young they will try anything new. They don’t care if they can’t dribble the soccer ball with skill and finesse; they are just happy to run around and have a go.
But as the years roll on they become more self-conscious of their abilities (or lack thereof), and drop out of sport because they don’t want to look foolish in front of their friends.
Stop and consider: Do you feel a bit self-conscious speaking the Christian message to your work colleagues? Are you so concerned you won’t present the gospel in an articulate or impressive way that you end up not saying anything? Are you worried about looking foolish or losing face?
A necessary reminder
God uses weakness to bring about his purposes. I hope this might encourage you to keep trying to speak the gospel message, even when you feel inadequate for the task.
It’s helpful to remember that many great heroes of the faith weren’t impressive to the naked eye, but God still used them mightily in his plan of salvation. For example:
- Moses didn’t want to lead God’s people, because he was “not eloquent” and was “slow of speech and tongue” (Exod 4:10).
- Jeremiah didn’t want to be God’s spokesman, because “I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth” (Jer 1:6).
- The apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians, “I did not come… with lofty speech or wisdom” (1 Cor 2:1).
- And of course the Lord Jesus himself looked weak, powerless and foolish as he was led through the streets of Jerusalem on the way to the cross.
Why does God use weakness?
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul explains why God often works in this way: …we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2 Cor 4:7)
The aim is for God to get the glory, not us!
So don’t give up speaking the message of the cross to your work colleagues, even though you may feel inadequate for the task.
Action: Remember this week that God often uses weakness to bring about his eternal purposes. So have a go at talking about Jesus, even when you feel nervous.
Pray: Ask God to give you courage and words to say, even though you don’t feel up to the task.
How are you doing with… putting on an outreach event at work? Do you remember the advantages of organizing a work-based event? Are you any closer to arranging one?
