God Equips Us with What We Need
Yes, God equips us with what we need, but do we use the equipment? I remember the times I felt inadequate to be the picture of a dutiful homemaker (I know women libbers gag at the thought), but that was my desire. I married young and I wanted to be a model wife for my young husband. I was woefully inadequate when we started out. I could cook the recipes I learned in my high school’s Home Economics class. Given time, I realized I was equipped to be a devoted and loving wife who was a cooking and cleaning machine! I could also work a full-time job and serve at my church. My young 17-year-old self could do all that, and just a year later, became a mother, who by the time our little guy showed up on planet earth, I had nipped the childcare role in the bud. After all, I had been a babysitter since the age of 12. God even equipped me for the challenges of when my babies were very sick. He called and equipped me to be a wife and mother. I yielded to His instructions and let God do what He does best – equip me with His special, handcrafted abilities.
Within each of us are all the tools we need to fulfill God’s call on our lives. I didn’t realize how equipped I was for widowhood until I became one. This gal could live life to its fullest on my own. I could run a business, sell my home, then, build a new home, do my own accounting, become a blogger, become a do-it-your-selfer repairing many things in my home and car, and take to the road, travelling many miles to family and friends. I was called to widowhood. I was equipped to handle it. Look at me now – planted in Austin, TX – living life with gusto!
God gave birds wings. He equipped them with what they needed, but they don’t use them until they must. I witnessed that with the bird families that nested around my homes. Initially they clung close to their nests, waiting for mama or papa bird to bring them what they needed, but before long, they found that within them was everything they needed to soar and make it on their own.
Often, we find ourselves wondering what is it that God has equipped us for – especially after being a doting and loving parent for years. Then the little “birds” leave the nest and we grope for significance and what it might be we’re supposed to do now. That’s when God shows up to stir us up. We realize God equipped us with much more than we ever thought. We discover that we aren’t using what we have been given.
Yesterday a dear friend was visibly stressed, emotional and in pain. I loved it when several of us “noticers” gathered around her, encouraged, and prayed for her. Before long, our friend perked up and we could see the results of love and support. These women had been equipped with all they needed to step up to the mound and swing the bat. It was a home run….so to speak. These women were ready, willing, and able to respond to God’s call.
Maybe you find yourself struggling with purpose or fearful to take a step in the direction that God is nudging you towards. God has already equipped you to “go for the gold”. He will give you the strength to use all you have been given, so get ready to step up to the task. God doesn’t call the equipped, Child of God. God equips the called. And you have been called.
“Now may the God of peace…..EQUIP you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20)