But I am only a… (When Faith Is Present)
“[God] needs no one, but when faith is present he works through anyone.”
—A.W. Tozer
One thing I love about reading the Bible is the truth I receive about who I am and what I can accomplish. Because often I don’t feel very accomplished or capable.
And that would be an honest assessment, because none of us, in the eyes of God have anything to offer.
Yet we aren’t left to wallow in self-pity about our inability because God offers us hope. Through faith in Christ, even the least capable among us are given amazing abilities and opportunities.
Through faith in Christ, even the least capable among us are given amazing abilities and opportunities. Click To Tweet
Here, read and see for yourself.
Legacy of Faith
Rahab was but a prostitute, but through faith, she came into the line of Jesus Christ.
Peter was but a fisherman, but through faith, he played an important role in building the early Christian church.
Hannah was but a barren housewife, but through faith, she birthed the great prophet Samuel.
David was but a young shepherd boy, but through faith, he slay a giant.
Mary was but a young peasant girl, but through faith, she birthed the Savior.
But I’m Only a…
From the beginning of creation, God weaved His perfect plan. As He did, He used imperfect and unlikely people to accomplish it, leaving us a legacy of faith.
How many times have you said, “but I’m only a [fill in the blank]”?
But I’m only a stay-at-home mother.
But I’m only a young woman.
But I’m only sinful person.
But I’m only an office worker.
But I’m only an elderly lady.
But I’m only a disabled individual.
If you’re like me, it’s far more often than you’d care to admit.
Power of Faith
But no more, my friends! You and I have inherited a legacy. Not one of strength and accomplishments. We’ve inherited a far greater legacy, one of weakness, brokenness, and faith.
We’ve inherited a legacy of our limitations meeting God’s limitlessness, of our lack meeting God’s fullness, of our weakness meeting God’s strength, of our fallacy meeting God’s perfection, of our sin meeting God’s grace.
We may feel we're not enough, but we've inherited a legacy of our limitations meeting God's limitlessness, of our lack meeting God's fullness, of our faith being met by His faithfulness. Click To Tweet
We’ve inherited a legacy of our faith being met by His faithfulness.
And through that faith, the possibilities are endless.
So next time you’re tempted to say “But I’m only a…,” end it with “child of the Father of all creation,” and step out in faith to accomplish His will.
Although God doesn’t need anyone to accomplish His will, as A.W. Tozer wisely stated, “when faith is present he works through anyone.”
And that, my dear sisters, includes you and me!
“So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” Galatians 3:9
Reflections: Today, how are you going to embrace this legacy of faith you’ve inherited?
Since beginning more than 3 years ago, I’ve counted more than 3,000 gifts in Ann Voskamp’s Joy Dare! What a blessing! So here we go: #3366–3386, read the entire list by clicking here.
- Blessed with the health and ability to enjoy the splendor of winter; Discovered my work laptop has a lighted keyboard – bonus!; Rachel’s patriotism cuteness
- Healthy conviction through writings of a grace-filled lady; Christmas candy making officially began today; Joey’s help making Thanksgiving tree leaves
- Moaning of tree branches rubbing in the wind; Being inspired to a better plan, one that includes more rest; Brilliance of a zillion stars on this cold, clear night
- My children’s ability to brighten a difficult day; Digging out and throwing away in the deep recesses of the basement; A sister who’s there even to help with gift decisions
- Uncovering treasures in the deep depths of the basement; Lots thrown away and much to give away–simplifying!; Relative warmth coming, as in above freezing
- Good dent made in the molded chocolates; My guys splitting wood for the winter; Rachel trying to dance to music on my iPad–first time, so cute
- The acceptance we feel at our place of worship for our loud, quirky little family; Rachel’s laughter of delight as the rain hit her nose; Snuggling with my teenage boy as we read aloud–I know how all-too-quickly it will end
By His grace ≈
Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
Great post Julie, A year or so I wrote a post on how there are no super heroes in the Bible. We read of how God used them in incredible ways and think that they possessed some special ability that you and I don’t have. But for the most part, they were as messed us as we are. Most of the time they just stepped out were obedient to that still small voice.
True, Jon. I love how God gave us so many accounts of broken people He used in huge ways for His Kingdom. Gives us all hope.