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The thought from above in this episode is: “God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called.” James Bryan Smith explains the thought from above in detail through his own experiences, and from others in the bible.
Smith begins the episode talking about an experience he had as a student at Friends University in his campus fellowship group. A few of the group leaders asked James if he would share his testimonial story with the group and he accepted but was worried because he did not feel qualified to do so. After sharing his story, the fellowship leaders told him that he has gifts for ministry and he should explore it more. During that time James met with his sister and asked her if he should look into a future in ministry. She shared with him something he would never forget, she said “God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called.”
As he continued to grow in his faith he began to see more and more examples of those who were unqualified but did great things through the power of God. Smith uses the apostle Paul as a great example of someone who was unqualified, but was called and did amazing work for the kingdom of God. “God takes each of us and makes something out of us that we could never become on our own.”
Smith closes the episode asking the listeners to discern, what are they being called to right now? If you feel comfortable please share your thoughts in the comments below about what you are being called to.
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1. Indebted to Hope
2. God is in This
3. Conversation with Casey Tygrett
4. Roots in the Future
5. Beauty, Goodness and Truth
2020 has been a devastating year. I lost my wife of 15 years suddenly on January 21st. She died of a brain aneurysm. She was 59 years old. Then the pandemic came in March. I had just returned from an Apologetic’s Conference in Abbotsford, B.C. Canada. I am 61 years old and my whole world has been turned upside down. Grieving is a long process. I know the Lord is with me as I walk daily with Him. I have wonderful support from family, friends and the Body of Christ. When Terra passed away in January, I thought my life was over. There is no point in going on. But now 6 1/2 months later I have a little bit of hope. One sister in Christ told me recently, “David, your life is not over. God has plans for you.” I am not qualified but maybe the Lord will use me. My focus is that He would be glorified in my life.
Thank you for your ministry of discipleship.
David, thank you so much for sharing your story. We hope the podcast can be a a helpful tool in your walk with Christ, blessings to you!
Dear David,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is wonderful to know that you have found support from family, friends and Church and to see that this, as you walk with the Lord, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, has given you resilience and hope. Let us let God shape us into the kind of people He lovingly wants us to be, Christ-like people, as we walk through the challenges of life. I just read Life Without Lack, by Willard, and strongly recommend. Let us God restore our souls. He will.
Blessings,
Felipe
*Let us let God restore our souls