One Ability

There is only one ability that God is looking for in us - availability.



There is no special talent or gift required in availability. It is only that open heart of saying "yes" when God presses a need upon you to fill. As I have a hard time knowing where my gifts lie, it is encouraging for me to know that He can still use me - that it doesn't take some special talent to give a helping hand where needed...only a willing heart, and sometimes flexibility in my schedule.

I am also inspired by the responses of some of the people throughout the Bible when God's call came upon their lives. Though each circumstance and calling varied, one common thread remained - availability.

I think of Abraham, called to leave his kindred and country to go into the unknown. He didn't question God about where he was taking him or even hint that it was inconvenient, it just says he departed.

I think of Rebekah, being newly aquainted with Abraham's servant and never having met Isaac responded with, "I will go."

And then Ruth, desiring to be there for her mother-in-law emphatically pleads, "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

In response to God's cry of "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?'', Isaiah answered "Here am I; send me."

Two widows gave what little resources they had: the one opened her home to Elijah and shared what little meal she had knowing it was her last, the other gave two mites, unbeknownst to others that it was all of her living.

Mary's humble reply to the angel: "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

Simon Peter and Andrew straightway left their nets and followed Jesus at His call.

And of course, we have the ultimate example of our Lord Who went about serving and doing good everywhere He went, in the end laying down His life for all mankind.

There are of course several others we could also name. I find these examples to be challenging and inspiring! I doubt that any of them in the end regretted making themselves available for the cause of a higher calling even though it many times required sacrifice, and most likely tested their faith. Not only were these people blessed for their acts of obedience and availability, but many times God was accomplishing a greater purpose behind the scenes that would be brought to light years down the road, that penetrates to our present time. Through the availability of many different people, the way was made for the promised Messiah, the Life-giving message proclaimed throughout the ages, and today we have a Redeemer, Jesus Christ our Lord! The impact that one person has in making him/herself available to God's calling in whatever it may be is almost astounding to me.

The resounding challenge rings out: am I available for Him?

When I think of the people that have touched my life, and that of my family's in some of the most meaningful ways, it was the ones who saw a need and made themselves available through their time,energy and/or resources to fill it. Having experienced the outpouring of God's love through His people, I am inspired to live a life out-poured for Christ, to reflect His love to others by being His hands and feet.

I am only one,
but I AM ONE.
And I cannot do everything,
But I can do SOMETHING.
And what I can do, I WILL DO.
And what I will do, I MUST DO,
For I AM ONE.