When we face the various challenges of life, we invariably tend to focus on our ability to solve things. It is even often the same in our endeavour to serve God. Again, we tend to focus on our abilities. This is valid to the extent that God has given each of us abilities to contribute to the world and to serve him. The problem arises when we approach our various responsibilities with a focus on what we can do. This is unfortunate because God intended our abilities to become part of something bigger. Human ability is greatest when it becomes a tool in the hands of God. Imagine a blade for an electric circular saw. Your gifts and abilities are like that blade. It might be well made and sharp and may even be able to cut through various challenges to some extent. But a saw-blade only reaches its potential when it is attached to the saw. The power of the saw is what makes the blade function the way it was meant to function. So too with our abilities. We are like saw blades, well made and sharp, but, on our own, limited in our effectiveness. It is only when our abilities are connected with God’s power that we really fulfil our potential. Psalm 147 reminds us that God does not delight in human strength, but in our dependence on him. Having gifts and abilities does not make you less dependent on God but more dependent. The more ability you have the more you need God to utilise that ability in a way that is ultimately effective.
Ask God to help you face your greatest challenge and put your abilities in his hands.
Read Psalm 147.
