Am I qualified?
This is a question I struggle with often. When thinking about leading people or having conversations with people about God. I constantly struggle with the fear that I don’t know enough and will not be able to reach them as well as someone else can. I am afraid that I will handle a situation wrong and people won’t see God’s love in the way he should be shown. I feel as though I am not good enough to be a leader and to disciple people because there is always someone who knows more than me and can probably do better than I could.
Last year around this time I was a leader for the first time at a Young Life camp. I had never been to one before and had no idea what I was doing. I struggled with this fear deeply that I would not be what these girls needed.
As I am getting ready for my semester’s trip these fears are beginning to creep back in.
I am trying to remember all that God says about this and what he has called us to do…
The Holy Spirit is with you and will prepare you for these moments:
“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and authorities do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say for the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
One of my Favorite quotes that is based on Esther 4:14 is “Perhaps you were made for such a time as this.” Maybe this moment and interactions with these people is why you were made. If you don’t do it someone else might not so don’t miss the opportunity you have to reach those around you.
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the jews from another place, but you and your fathers house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
God commands us to make disciples so don’t let fear stop you from doing that:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20
“‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. These things I have commanded you, so that you will love one another.” John 15:16-17
God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called
God will qualify the ones he has called and he has called every believer to be a witness. God also calls us to use the gifts you have to serve him and people around you. God will help you throughout your fear so step out in faith and do what he has commanded. This can be hear, near or far but don’t let insecurity stop you from telling people of the goodness of God.
As I am preparing for this trip this has been a very real fear of mine. Please keep me and the rest of my squad in your prayers as we are struggling with different fears leading up to our trip.
Adonai Yireh
-Halle Merwin
