October 1, 2019
When We’re Not Qualified
Elisa Pulliam
Today’s Truth
It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God." (2 Corinthians 3:5, NLT)
Friend to Friend
Do you struggle with not feeling qualified? You’re not alone. I think more of us feel unqualified than qualified on a daily basis. It only takes being pushed slightly out of our comfort zone at work or in ministry, at home or in a relationship to feel entirely defeated about our abilities. Maybe that’s why we like to say that “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
It’s a lovely chant when we desperately need overcome our feelings of inadequacies. But is it truly a biblical statement?
Context is key, my friends. This Christian platitude is likely inspired by 2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT, "It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God."
At first glance, it seems fitting for those times we feel overwhelmed by our lack of qualifications. But when you read this verse in context, it reveals that
what we're striving to do in our own strength, believing "it" is our calling, is not what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NLT, "We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life."
Qualification, in this passage, pertains to being ministers of the new covenant. The Greek word is actually “servant.” We are qualified by God share the Good News. It’s not about being qualified to pursue a "calling" or career. It’s not about being a better wife or mom. It’s not about personal accomplishments or professional achievements.
So maybe what we feel like we're doing for a living or pursuing in a ministry or engaging in a relationship or experiencing in an obstacle is indeed totally overwhelming and leaves us feeling unqualified. And that’s okay.
Maybe that means we need to seek God for wisdom and invite Him to make is HIS power known in our weakness.
Maybe we need to adjust expectations and garner support from others, even a life coach.
Maybe we need to press on or move one.
No matter what it means for our relationship or careers or passions, one thing is for sure: In every role we fill, in every relationship we engage, we are qualified by God to be a messenger of the Good News. So maybe, wherever we show up feeling unqualified is a perfect time to invite God in so that His power and presence may get all the glory.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, thank you for your Word and the truth it speaks into our lives. Thank you for making us qualified to be messengers and ministers of your Good News. Please take our feelings of being unqualified and reveal how you are qualifying us for the mission at hand. Show us how to be servants of your Gospel even in the roles and relationships in which we feel unqualified.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
In what ways can you invite God to step into the roles and relationships in which you feel overwhelmed? How might God be asking you to step out in faith to be a servant of the Good News, even though you feel unqualified?
More from the Girlfriends
Elisa Pulliam is a coach, author, podcaster, speaker, and founder of More to Be.She is passionate about helping women pursue a fresh encounter God, experience His radical transforming love, and embrace deep connections with others. She is also the founder of It Is Well, where she helps women simplify the transition into wellness by cultivating a whole food and toxin-free lifestyle for themselves and their families. She is enjoying the adventure of being married to Stephen for 23 years and raising their brood of teenagers together. Connect with Elisa at MoretoBe.com and ItIsWell.us.
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