PrimeSample

ABILITY VS. AVAILABILITY

Ever had a “who me?” moment? Like a moment when you thought you weren’t qualified for something — like an assignment, a role in a play, position on student government, or a spot on the team … but then you get tapped on the shoulder and you find yourself thinking, “Who me?”

A survey sponsored by the national board of education asked students if they saw themselves excelling at something in middle school or high school, and over 80% said no. So when Jesus says that you can have “life to the full,” many people don’t have a problem believing this is possible … they’re just skeptical that it’s possible for them!

This is how Joshua felt when God tapped him on the shoulder. God says to Joshua; “Moses my servant is dead.” (Joshua 1:2). That’s a huge deal. Joshua has HUGE shoes to fill. Moses was the warrior prophet of Israel who rained down plagues on the superpower Egypt and led an entire nation out of slavery. That is the guy Joshua is supposed to replace?!

This was a gut check for Joshua. And he evidently did what most of us do in the face of big opportunity and God’s big plans for our lives: he became acutely aware of how unqualified he was. He became acutely aware of who he was NOT. Who me? I’m NOT Moses. I’m NOT a great leader. I’m NOT a mighty warrior. I’m NOT even that spiritual.

Does this sound familiar? Of course it does! We all feel unqualified at times. But if you focus on who you are NOT, it will get in the way of who God sees you becoming. If you’re not careful, who you are NOT is going to get in the way of what God wants to do in your life. If you’re not careful, who you are NOT is going to keep you from ever experiencing the prime life that God has in mind for you.

So God gives Joshua a pep talk.

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)

Did you notice him repeating anything? Be strong and courageous. Go where I tell you, do what I tell you, and don’t back down no matter how scary it gets or impossible it seems. I’m not concerned with you being ABLE to pull off everything that I have planned—all I’m concerned about is will you say yes.

God is not concerned with our ABILITY but with our AVAILABILITY.

The first step of experiencing the prime life is getting over who you are not and simply making yourself available to the God who is. He’s ready. Are you?