God’s Commission
I learned a lesson early on in my ‘career’ as a quadriplegic.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and what was that lesson I learned when I was in rehab? Well, I learned to work with what I had. You see, my occupational therapist taught me how to use muscles in a whole new way to make up for ones that were rendered useless. For instance, the good nerves in the upper part of my shoulders help me get a lot of work done that otherwise would be the responsibility of my biceps. And for me, this was a lesson for life: work with what you’ve got, friend.
You see, God’s been in the ‘occupational therapy’ business for ages. And He has often come to weak people who have no vision and He worked with what they had. Whether it was the rod of Moses, or Samson’s jawbone, or David’s sling, God simply took what was made available and showed His people what was possible.
Sometimes – no, I take that back – often we simply don’t believe God in that, and so to underscore the possibilities and the potential, God reminds us who’s in charge. To simple people like Gideon and Jeremiah, he said, “I’m sending you.” That was it. With all their small limitations, that was all the guarantee they needed – even though they had little. For Gideon, the guarantee of God’s control would take him to triumph. For Jeremiah, the guarantee would take him through trials. In these and other examples, God’s commission (that is those words, “I am sending you” no matter how little you have), that commission was sufficient to start and complete the task. No matter how weak or limited God’s people are, no matter what little they have to offer, the Lord is sovereign; He is in control; He’s the giver of great and small abilities, He works wonders with what he’s got and He is sending you!
God’s always commissioning His people. He is commissioning you today with His Word. If you have doubts about that, consider Jesus’ words in John 20 where He says, “As the Father has sent me, [here you go] I am sending you.” Friend, those words are for you today. Oh, sure, you may feel weak, you may only have a sling or a jawbone or a rod, you may think you have very little, but that’s no matter to God. He is sovereign over your weaknesses and He is sending you out into your community, your school, your place of work, your neighborhood. He’s commissioning you to give Him what’s available; then watch Him work wonders! Jesus seeks disciples who will yield whatever resources they’ve got at their disposal to carry out His purpose.
What have you got? Make that list and show it to Him. Is it a short list? No matter, take it and apply it to the needs of the people around you and God will take care of the rest, after all, it’s His business! And hey, if you’re lacking courage, I’ve got just the resource for you – it’s a 12 page booklet that includes a lengthy collection of wonderful Bible promises that all impart courage and encouragement. Flip it open and you’ll find the help you need to respond to God’s commissioning to you today. The booklet is called Bible Promises for Hope and Courage and all you’ve got to do to get your free copy is visit me today on my radio page. That’s at joniandfriends.org. Again it’s called Bible Promises for Hope and Courage. You’re gonna like this booklet; you’re gonna keep it with you; you’re gonna tuck it in your Bible and keep it as a ready reference. Finally, today, would you please pray with me? Join me now and say, “O, Lord Jesus, I’m one weak person, but I am making what little I’ve got available to you. Here’s my list. You have used rods, you’ve used slingshots, and loaves of bread in the Bible to do your work, and I trust that you can use me. In the mighty name of the Savior, Amen.”
Previously aired on 12/8/10 as program #7463.
© Joni and Friends
Bible Promises
For Hope And Courage
Contains 100 of God’s promises of comfort and love for His children and addresses topics including loneliness, worry, contentment, courage, peace, assurance of salvation, guidance, and more.
This pamphlet is perfect for pastoral care, prayer ministries, lay counseling, personal devotions, outreach, and many other ministry situations.
