07/09/2023
Some say they are unworthy of God's consideration, and they convince themselves that they are not acceptable vessels for God's grace or to do the Lord's will. My response to this is... who are we to judge... even to judge ourselves? By what authority do we determine our worth?
We are saved because God loves us, not because we loved Him. Grace is a one sided covenant that is given by God. We don't earn it, and yet we receive it. How wonderful is this amazing gift; this thing we call God’s grace.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
So, how is it relevant for us to argue our worthiness? Our value to God was determined even before He made covenant with us... "For God so loved the world" (John 4:16) not the other way around. You and I are worthy because God says we are, and that worthiness was judged from the moment of creation.
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:11-12 ESV
When God calls us to do some task in accordance with His will, it isn't because we have earned this honor, but because He sees worth, and future worth, in us. It is because we have been given a measure of His worth. He sees the finished product, while all we are privy to seeing is a pile of raw materials. Certainly we have been working at perfecting our faith, yet, we see what is being asked and determine that our current state of righteousness is lacking in ways that appear to eliminate us from consideration for the job He has in mind. Despite our doubts, He sees what is to be, and judges our ability and worthiness based on what His will makes possible. We are first and foremost lacking in the worthiness to even question Him; beyond that there is only His will.
“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
In as much as God calls us, He has already determined our worthiness for the task at hand. It isn't up to us to say "yay" or "nay" regarding our calling, but to do His will. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and has judged our ability based on that finding. We serve at His pleasure; after all... we did not create Him... even though some would have us believe that to be true.
“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 ESV
So when you hear God's voice calling you, don't attempt to judge your worthiness because He has already judged you to be worthy and capable. He sees you tomorrow, just as easily as He sees you today... He knows the beginning from the end... even as it pertains to your innermost self. Say "Here I am" and have confidence that your faith will be increased so that it will always be sufficient for what He has asked of you. Just as you are not to judge others... you are not to judge yourself either. Remain humble and obedient to all that God desires of you.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
James 4:10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for your grace, and mercy. I thank you for calling me to do those things that only you can see, and make, possible in me. Holy Father, I answer your call and endeavor to do your will. Your provision and strength enable my faith... in your service I find increase; through Jesus Christ I am perfected, and by His blood I am covered and redeemed. You are my judge, and in all things your judgement is perfect. Let me not judge others, nor myself, because all judgement is yours Lord. Who am I to be so presumptuous? Who am I to judge what I can't possibly see fully? My trust is in you, and in your unfailing wisdom and foresight. Holy Father, you are the perfecter of my faith. Your Son has redeemed me to accomplish your purposes, and your Holy Spirit surges through me as it brings light to your will within me; use me Father to your pleasure, and in accomplishing your will that lies before me. Praised be your name above all others, and may your grace shine on forever... lighting all of creation in its brilliance and glory.
Rich Forbes