Swhw Bible Reading Plan: AprilSample

Top Takeaway from Emily Copeland:

It has always bothered me that I am not an expert at any one thing. I've always admired doctors and other professionals who've committed their lives to studying, and as a result, can understand how to fight cancer or perform brain surgery. 

As a side note, I did try to take the path to study medicine, but I found myself passed out in a chair with my head between my knees after I saw my first live surgery. That was the end of the road in medicine for me.

It didn't dawn on me until later into my life that when the world says to make yourself an expert in order to have value and worth in society, I found a different question; What if God didn’t give you just one particular skill specifically so that He could use you in more than one particular place?

“I’m not qualified.”

I used to say this phrase out loud a lot. Why do we feel this pressure to be an expert at something in order for it to count? 

For the women who have their hands in many different things, but don’t feel like they excel in one place, I want to remind you that God doesn't wait until we have the title to use us for big things.

God uses us where we are, even if we are in five different places, and giving ourselves to multiple different areas. God gifts us through the Holy Spirit to make an impact for the Kingdom right where we are-- even when we feel like we are living in the most mundane "in-between." 

God wants your influence and gifts to make a difference in the preschool mom's group. He wants to use you in your volunteer work in the community, and He will use you in your current workplace.

If God calls you to an assignment that requires you to use your gifts or to start over in any way, don’t you dare shy away. Some of my greatest seasons of growth and ministry have come not from finally reaching an expert level, but at a humbling new beginning. 

Humility opens a lot of doors to reach the people God places in our lives. Please don’t forget that.

Everything we do is to build others up, to build up the church, and to bring God the glory. 

"What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." - 1 Corinthians 14:26

The enemy will make sure that you feel unqualified, but God's plan for you is to help you see that your different gifts impact the body of Christ right now. 

Stay in the game; remember that your potential is always maximized in Christ alone. It's HIS power in us, not power or potential that we have to muster up on our own. You're qualified right now because you're HIS. 

God, thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit who graciously gifts us with Your power. For those of us who have wondered how we can be used today, as we will be doing a thousand small things, remind us that as we seek to glorify YOU, that You will open doors and crack open hearts as You partner with us in the work. It is our greatest honor to walk with You, God. We love You! Amen.