Our Wonder Room

What Qalifications

“God doesn’t call people who are qualified. He calls people who are willing, and then He qualifies them.”
–Richard Parker

When I look back on so many situations (both long-running and short-term) I can see the application of Parker’s words. I am not necessarily talking about job positions that I applied, for many are those for which I was willing but not the most qualified. More I am talking about opportunities to serve Him. Opportunities to walk alongside somebody and offer up encouragement, a smile, or a helping hand.

Take these emails, for example. When I sent the very first one I surely didn’t feel qualified, but I was willing. Even now I feel a little more qualified but rely more on my willingness and the faith that God will wrap His grace around my words. When I published my first book, and as I contemplate a third, I still don’t feel “qualified”. But I am willing.

I remember going to work on a Habitat for Humanity house in Sumas and having no idea what I was doing as I was asked to put siding on a house. I obviously was willing. And so God surrounded me with others to instruct me. My willingness qualified me for the job He then put before me.

As each of us strives to grow in our relationship with God, we need to stand with confidence in our willingness (to do His work, just so we’re clear) more than our qualifications. Boy, do I feel like an infant in this area. Yet I need to find my strength in knowing that God, in His infinite wisdom wraps His grace around my willingness. Your willingness. Christ was fully man and look what he was willing to do. Whoa!

Where am I, where are you, willing to step out in confidence today?