Unqualified - Encouragement Café - April 2, 2018

Unqualified
By Torrie Long
Monday, April 2, 2018

“He chose the lowly, the laughable in the world’s eyes – nobodies…For He chose what is regarded as insignificant in order to supersede what is regarded as prominent, so that there would be no place for prideful boasting…” 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 TPT

There I was stepping on an airplane, completely unqualified to do what I was about to do. I had absolutely no idea what I was stepping into, but what I did know was that God was going to lead me through it.

No, I was not going to fly the airplane. I was going to Africa.

I never wanted to go to Africa. I was quite content preparing for my collegiate career when God told me, “You are going to Uganda. That is your home.”

I mean, what? But the Psalmist knew what God was up to when he said “[God] will give you all the desired of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Because from that moment, God began shattering all my dreams and replacing them with something bigger, something that completely set me on fire to be His hands and feet.

I was 16-years-old, a high school junior, busting to begin working for human rights and spreading God’s goodness. I was completely unqualified. Several years passed, doors opened then quickly slammed shut.

I began to question, “Lord, are you sure you were talking to the right person that night?”

Surely there were wealthier, more educated individuals with all the means and know-how to serve Him in Uganda. Who was I?

It was 4 years later, I was a college student, planning my wedding, and working full time when God said, “Go! Here is your chance!” Now, let me paint the scene. This was my (now) husband’s and my first visit to a brand-new church. We had both been seeking the Lord and had Uganda branded on our hearts but it had not been our time to go.

This day, was the last chance to sign up for this unfamiliar church’s annual mission outreach in Uganda. We knew no one. We had no savings to pay for the trip. We did not have the time off work. We wrote our names down.

Even as doubt and discomfort crept in, the Lord gently reminded us, “I am the Lord your God…Do not fear, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:10).

I could never have imagined all those years ago that my life would be like this: regularly traveling to Uganda, serving the least of these, all through God’s power.

It is only through God’s strength and provision that I have been able to serve alongside Kampala Children’s Centre in providing sponsorship for hundreds of children. It is through His grace that I have been able to watch the next generation in Uganda grow and begin stepping up to radically impact their communities for Him. All because I said yes to His voice.

Friend, I am still unqualified by this world’s standards, with just a few more years of experience under my belt. But He has equipped me.

Where is God tugging your heart? Say yes! Commit to adventure with Him and allow Him to help it blossom into something beautiful.

Lord, Thank You for the places and things You have called me into. Thank You that You step in to help and qualify me. You are a good, good Father. Let me say “yes” to Your voice, even when I feel unqualified. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

© 2018 by Torrie Long.  All rights reserved.

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