April 4

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” —EPHESIANS 4:11-12

God not only has big plans for this world at large, but He also has plans for His individual people in this world. Every new day brings the outworking of the purposes of God. But how are they accomplished? The remarkable answer is that God’s purposes are primarily accomplished through people.

When I was a young Christian, I believed there were certain special people who God liked to use to accomplish His work. I wrongly assumed that the plans of God passed by the ordinary person like me. Most of the leading characters in the Bible were not preachers, pastors or evangelists who had some kind of hotline to God. They were workers, farmers, business people, fishermen and homemakers. And these were not God’s ‘B’ team. They were God’s ‘A’ team – right through Scripture.

God’s strategy in this world is not to set apart for Himself preachers and pastors as His ‘A’ team, while placing the majority of people in some kind of secondary role. In fact, it is the complete reverse of this. The truth is that the ordinary person is intended by Jesus Christ to be the very vehicle of His working. However, it is the job of those God has called into professional ministry to equip others for God’s work in whatever arena He has placed them. Whether trades people, homemakers, executives, mechanics, teachers - whatever your calling, you are God’s ‘A’ team as a witness to the life of Christ in you.

God has no special favourites. When we have exposed our weaknesses to Him, He will work in and through anyone who is willing to let Him. Any sense of self assurance will serve as a barrier because it is in our weaknesses God expresses His strength, and in our folly, He expresses His wisdom. When we are in Christ, there are no qualifications needed; only our availability, and God will look after the rest.

PRAYER: It is good to know everyone has the opportunity of serving You. I am willing and available, and ask that You use me for your work in this world. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I willing and available for God to use me?