Self-reliance or Equipped by God

If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account.

Oswald Chambers – My Utmost For His Highest

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If anyone speaks they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

The Apostle Peter – 1st Peter 4:11 NIV

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We must not let our self-reliance be the thing that separates us from His power. If He has called us, He has equipped us with His strength and His wisdom. “If the truth has set us free, then we are free indeed” (John 8:36.) There is no fear, guilt, or doubt that stands in the way of us pouring out His truth on others. We have been given the opportunity and the ability to serve Him as we “feed His sheep” (John 21:17.)

Moses had a speech impediment. Paul had a thorn in his side and suffered many hardships. All of Jesus’ apostles died for their beliefs. Stage fright, writer’s block, poor time management, or any other modern human impediment is only an excuse and reliance on self. We are infused with His power and His good news. How can we keep it to ourselves?

Lord, fill us with boldness and energy. Let us be conduits of your everlasting LOVE. Able to use all the creative possibilities that you have poured into us. Examples and communicators for your TRUTH. Make us demonstrably free.

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Media: V&A – Raphael, Christ's Charge to Peter (1515) Raphael , Public domain,, via Wikimedia Commons (enhanced & cropped)