Thursday, September 12, 2013

Week 37 - Day 5

Amos 6-9; Psalm 142

*Click here to read these passages:

“I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.  But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” (Amos 7:14-15)  

There are so many examples from the Bible where God calls ordinary people to use for special purposes.  Amos was just an ordinary guy, not special in the eyes of the world.  He had been a shepherd who pruned some trees, but Amos says, “The Lord took me and said to go.”  God could have chosen anyone; He chose Amos.

I’ve always struggled with self-confidence.  I’m extremely self-conscious about everything.  Anyone who has met me would probably describe me as quiet or shy.  The main reason I don’t talk much around people, especially people I don’t know well, is because I’m always afraid I’m going to say something stupid.  I’ve always seen myself as ordinary … mediocre … just kind of okay at a lot of different things, but not truly special or intelligent or talented in any certain area.  In fact, I was very close to not starting this blog because I thought… I’m not that great of a writer.  Who would want to read what I write?  I’m sure someone else would do so much better at something like this.

It is so easy to give in to fears like that.  It doesn’t tell us in the Bible the reaction Amos had when God called him and sent him to be a prophet, but I imagine it would have been tempting to let fear and self-doubt take over.  He could have compared himself to others and decided that he wasn’t good enough.  But God doesn’t compare us with other people.  He sees us for who He created us to be. 

I’m thankful that God sees me differently than the way the world sees me and the way I see myself.  When we let go of fear and self-doubt and trust God, He can do amazing things through us. 


“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way.” ~ Psalm 142:3

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