Autumn is the season of the nominating committee.
If I am honest, I cringe a little each year this rolls around. I am, by nature, a person of comfort and predictability. I like my life the way it is and don't appreciate change. Sacrifices are ... well ... sacrifices! The very nature of them is discomfort, plus the adventures of the unknown and/or challenge dim as I age!
I think about Moses being called when he was eighty years old. Talk about a lifestyle change! It's been rumored he had a confidence issue. I think his reluctance was that he just wanted to stay where he was comfortable. Whatever his excuse, (and he did argue with God about it), he did what God asked and was faithful, and I pray the same for myself.
Mark Batterson encourages us with a reassuring quote; "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."
I give myself this pep talk every nominating season, praying to be open to new and different challenges, or to be faithful to the commitments I already have. I want to be a God-pleaser and I know my will is not His. His will holds so many blessings. Why do I even hesitate?
God is constantly challenging us, growing us into people fit for His kingdom. So many serving opportunities have grown me, especially in my prayer skills! My lack of experience has kept me on my knees and in my Bible. "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." {Eph 2:10) (Ps 37:4} He is able to give us the desires of our hearts (I think that means He can put His desire in my heart, so that I can will to will His will.
A favorite promise I claim, when I feel under-qualified is II Chron 20:17: Just show up and see what God will do! I love seeing how He shows up, what He accomplishes, and, especially, watching His amazing plan(s unfold.
So ... this nominating season step up to the plate when called, not with self-confidence so much as confidence in a God Who is full able to qualify and empower you.
Whatever we do, may we all do be done out of love and gratitude because we serve an awesome God! While change may challenging, it is exciting to see what He will do and where He takes us.
I pray that we be a full and beautiful set, serving His kingdom faithfully. Amen