Go in His strength

Howdy! How’s been the month of May? Mine has been rainy and I’m loving it. Sending you smiles. Let’s read…

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As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I Peter 4:10-11 NKJV

Your life is a gift. You’re a gift to the lives connected to you. I found the above quoted verse from Peter so refreshing as I read my Bible. And whenever I grasp an understanding from a text I can’t help, but think about someone else other than me who can benefit from it. I believe you are one of those who may need this too in this season.

The context of the scripture is Peter just being a great leader and loving on people. Okay, that’s probably not how theologians will put it across, but it’s my version. When he speaks about everyone receiving gifts — He’s talking about each individual’s uniqueness. So, he urges each one of us to serve one another with who we are — not necessarily what we have.

Part of the text says, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” That’s to say if you are going to say anything to anybody about anything, consider how God or the Creator or someone who loves the subject would speak to them. Simple. Be kind. Be wise. Practice love in your speech. I’ll tell you that I’ve been finding it really difficult to do, but when I yield to the instruction I find joy. Those moments when I hear, “thank you, I needed that” or “you made me laugh” or “I appreciate you saying that” — it’s priceless! If I’ve learnt anything post lockdown, it’s the fact that we need to pursue meaningful connection with those we cross paths with. The experience has its own kind of beauty.

Nevertheless, the part of Peter’s text that drove me to write is this:

If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies…

I Peter 4:11b NJKV

Man, what an encouragement! Hold on while I explain why I believe so.

At the beginning of the year life was just grey for me. Nothing was exciting and I was overwhelmed by the uncertainty of everything. That time I thought I was relying on God for strength (and He really pulled through for the girl), but looking back I was exerting myself where I didn’t need to. Does that sound familiar to anybody?

Peter comes and says, “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies”. I will contextualise ministry as one’s vocation. I’m not sure how many times I went over the passage. Then it hit me — we cannot engage in anything impactful with no other strength except that which God supplies! In order for you to not fall prey to burning out and constant episodes of depression (which had become a thing for me), you must tap into strength that surpasses your own.

Let’s be honest, as humans we suck at living life. We do a lot. The streets are tough. To stay sane or even maintain any form of sobriety — there has to be another source from which you draw strength. Peter says God is that source! In your ministry (vocation) there are going to be days when you are running on empty. On those days you’ll need to recognise and acknowledge that God is the supplier of ABILITY!

Listen, what you’re called for cannot be done unless God empowers you to do it. So don’t be surprised when you function on a level that’s better, more efficient or beyond what you usually do. Why? You’re not working alone, God has business to do in the earth and He’s chosen to do it through you. No wonder the Bible says the race is not for the swift because it’s not our ABILITY God’s counting on — it’s His! Therefore, He gets the glory when we win.

I just want you to be encouraged along with me, to do things you feel are too great for your little strength because God has given you the capacity. When you take that step into the unknown or risk your resources on that project — rest in knowing that He’s got your back, literally.

PS: there’s a song that came to mind while I wrote, see link below.