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SOLE BAY TEAM MINISTRY rejoicing in diversity...serving Christ
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MAY 2008 EDITION Into Deep Water "When you want a job done, make sure you give it to a busy person". Why is that? Some people who already have lives full of responsibilities can undertake phenomenal tasks? And why is it that others with few responsibilities can spend most of their lives moaning about the few they have? Human beings are incredibly varied but one thing which we can all do (even the most competent) is to make excuses for not doing what we should be doing. "I am sorry but I haven't done that before" means "don't ask me to take risks." "I did that once before but I wasn't very good at it," means "the past is more important to me that the future". In the Gospel of Luke 5, Jesus encounters a man with a seemingly impenetrable excuse - "Leave me, Lord, I am a sinful man". But Jesus says to Peter, "Don't be afraid". We see this mirrored in Jeremiah's call. Jeremiah is called to be a prophet to the nations and God said to him "Do not be afraid". When the Lord calls us we may very well have lots of excuses and reasons why we shouldn't follow that call. "I'm too old." "I'm too young. ". "How can I do this?". Well the short and simple answer is that "You can't". But that's the whole point. God can -- through us. Our call from God is not concerned with our unworthiness or lack of ability. It is a gift from God for other people. If we look beyond our own limitations towards God's promise, then we will have the courage to respond. Today is a time to listen for God's call. Do we have the courage to trust that God will lead is beyond our limitations? Do we want to waste our lives away in creating excuses for not hearing God's call, or do we want to embrace the fullness of life offered generously to us. Today is not a time for excuses. It is a day for making a decision - follow Peter's example, following and trust Jesus. Blessings Leonard Payne |
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