Called and Equipped

2 Corinthians 11:6 (NIV)  I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.     

There are times in ministry when we do not feel as though we have enough training to do the job we have been given.  There are times we doubt our effectiveness, as we have no diploma on the topic. This is where Paul finds himself in Chapter 11 of 2 Corinthians.  He knows he doesn't have the training,  In his mind he feels he isn't a gifted orator, but he does know a few things about the topics he preaches.

There are so many times we feel inadequate to do the work Jesus needs done. We signed up to teach children's Sunday school but struggle with our lack of skills we think we need to work with little ones.  But we volunteered because there was this nudge we could not ignore.  Paul finds himself in a similar situation.  He volunteered to serve Jesus, to tell everyone who will listen, about the amazing life Jesus offers.

Paul's problem is with those who are trying to undermine him, to convince the people to follow them and they will reveal Jesus. False prophets were working to undo everything Paul had done by claiming they knew more and they knew better. False prophets are around today too, they only take on a different form and talk a different talk.

When God calls us into ministry, when we feel his tap on our shoulders, we can respond confidently.  We have walked through the field of pain and hardships with Him at our side.  We have turned to Jesus for help and comfort and we have learned of His faithfulness.  This is the only training we need sometimes; on-the-job-training is the best witness.  Remember, God doesn't call the equipped--He equips the called.

2 Corinthians 11