By Melanie Rigney
“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 3:4
The church at Corinth was troubled. Paul appears to have canceled an earlier visit, and there are rumblings about his authority. Without knowing the complete politics of the situation, we can imagine the grumbling: “Who does this guy think he is? He never walked with Jesus. Not that long ago, he was persecuting Christians, not acting like he was qualified to lead us!”
Qualifying the Called
Much of what those at Corinth were whispering about Paul was true. He knew it, and God knows it. In this beautiful letter, Paul acknowledges as much. It’s not me, but God, he writes, who has qualified him to be “minister of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:6).
Our Call
And so it is with us. Maybe God has called you to be a mother, though you have no experience with siblings or as a babysitter. Maybe God has called you to facilitate a women’s prayer group, though you see yourself as a follower, not a leader. Maybe God has called you to be a Catholic writer, though you’ve never taken a theology course. No matter, dear sister. By the Almighty’s calling, you are qualified. So let others snipe and gossip. You know who you are, and so does God: a beloved daughter—and a sister of Christ.
Prayer
Jesus, help me strap on my spiritual armor so that I might always do your will regardless of how others judge my qualifications.
Call to Action
That thing God’s been calling you to do for which you have no credentials? Put your doubts and fears—and take one step today to saying yes.
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Thank you Melanie. God has shown me through the years that what I thought I couldn’t do became my most blessed gifts God given me. I had to be bold! And it was well worth it, especially with God by my side.
I truly hadn’t thought about it until I read your article, here, but my 35-year-old son died almost three-and-a-half years ago. I found a Parents’ Grief Support Group that is so wonderful. I still attend every first and third Wednesday evening. Then, after having been a regular attendee at the Parents’ Grief Support Group for about two years, a woman at my parish asked if I would consider leading a similar group in another Grief Support Group, for the people who have lost children. I am actually a very shy woman and didn’t feel I was, in any way, able to help other grieving mothers and fathers, but my husband (my son’s stepfather) said we could do it together. I think this may have been God calling me to this, even though I had no desire to do it prior to being asked. Thank you for your article! +JMJ+
I am still trying to figure out where I am being called – but I am hanging on and taking the ride with Him! Lovely words!