How many times do I feel as if I lack what is needed to get the job done? Much of the time I feel like I do not have the time, the talent, resources, or energy to do what needs to be done – or what is given for me to do.
For instance, at work it is not uncommon for there to be an issue with a challenging student, who happens to come from a challenging parent. In many cases, the families have been at odds with the school for several years. There are hurt feelings. There is distrust. Then the student struggles again and I am given the assignment of communicating with the family and trying to repair the relationship.
I do not have special training for this. I do not particularly love working with people who come into meetings or conversations in an escalated state. I do not find that I “just know” what to say or do to make the repairs.
I just do it. I’m asked to do it, so I do it.
For the most part, my success rate is high. Why? This probably has less to do with me, and a ton to do with my strategy. I ask God to help. I ask him to give me the right words when I am communicating in writing. I ask him to lead me and speak through me when I am communicating in person. It is not so much my skill that leads to my success – it’s my dependance on the One who sees, knows, and loves these students, their families, and me.
Small potatoes, I know. But this God who helps in even the small things in life, is the same God who appeared to Moses by a burning bush and sends him into a volatile situation in Egypt. Moses felt completely ill-equipped. Perhaps he was. But God is not.
“Then the LORD asked Moses, ‘Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” (Exodus 4:11-12)
God will not send you where he will not equip you. God will not lead you to a place where He cannot provide whatever you need for the journey. He will likely lead you to a place of dependence on Him – but remember friend, it is when we are weak that He is strong. His arms will hold us. His hand will provide.
What has God placed before you? What has He been prompting you to do? What insurmountable tasks lie are you being called to? Whatever it may be, God will meet every need through His great provision. Go forth in His strength.
Blessings!