If you are in Christ, you have been chosen.
Chosen for a mission of supernatural significance (Matthew 28:19–20).
Chosen to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
Chosen to be a living epistle, written on the hearts of man (2Corinthians 3:2).
Chosen as a beacon of bright light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14).
Chosen for a privilege you could never earn and do not deserve—to be on co-mission with Christ for the spread of the gospel and the glory of God. As we park in Acts 15–16, Timothy is our mascot for this truth. He was a part of something truly remarkable, a movement of God’s Spirit unlike anything the world had seen before. With his own eyes Timothy saw sinners become saints in droves. He saw churches being formed where there had never been churches before. He saw believers growing in strength and power in a culture determined to weaken them. He saw the fruit of a harvest of souls grow so rapidly he could measure the change day by day (Acts 16:5).
Timothy didn’t earn the right to be used by God in this way. It was mercy, not merit.
His position was preceded by a “sharp disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:39). How’s that for starting off on the wrong foot? He was half Jewish with a momma who could no longer fit within the religious establishment. He was half Greek in an era when Gentiles were just discovering the door to the kingdom was open to them. Paul attempted to bridge the gap with a ritual to appease some, but likely just placed a bigger magnifying glass on the fact that Timothy didn’t fit into the expectations of others (Acts 16:3). He was a misfit, chosen for a mission he wasn’t qualified for. Aren’t we all?
Timothy’s calling reminds me of a beloved quote from another unlikely instrument. Helen Roseveare, the daughter of an English mathematician, was called by God to love and serve the people of the Congo. She saw the Spirit of God move too and once reflected,
“Looking back, one has tried to ‘count the cost,’ but I find it all swallowed up in privilege. The cost suddenly seems very small and transient in the greatness and permanence of the privilege.”
That’s the song that all unlikely instruments play: the greatness and permanence of the privilege of serving Christ. As we see how God used Timothy, let’s consider our own calling. Jesus didn’t draw us to Himself because we are worthy. He doesn’t use us to build His kingdom because we’ve climbed an invisible ladder of perfection or performance. Instead, He specializes in calling the underqualified and undeserving. Let’s marvel anew at our Timothyness—unworthy, yet chosen to serve.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Jude 1:24 mentions “to the One who is able to keep us from stumbling” – this means that our God is great enough to help us make whatever changes are necessary, we just need to lean on him.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Jude 1:24 mentions “to the One who is able to keep us from stumbling” – this means that our God is great enough to help us make whatever changes are necessary, we just need to lean on him.
Arina,
Beyond anything, the grace and the blood of Jesus covers us. We are not perfect and we never will be, but we are also not called to be. Yes, we are asked to leave our old selves behind and take up the cross. Denying our flesh is difficult, and it is something that EVERY Christian struggles with. But by the grace of God, it is not something we are called to do by our own strength. We have a mighty and perfect God that wants to help us. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and will to make the choices we should to bring God glory.
Arina,
So very good. Thank you, Erin!
Also would appreciate prayers as I have three appointments. A routine mammogram. I get my cast off and x-rayed and praying it’s healed enough to drive.
There of been many times when I have felt unworthy to serve, but here I am. There was a season when I was asked to sit out because of my separation. It was a very hard and painful season. But as Tina would say: But God… I was able to go back to serving but this time in the high school ministry. I wanted to be where my daughter is. Not in her small group but at least serving where she’s at. I am so privileged to have a wonderful group of freshman girls (my daughter is a sophomore). They are truly amazing! My heart is filled with joy. Sometimes I’m exhausted from a full days work but I go anyway..
Arina, my heart is with you this morning. I echo these other women who speak grace to you. Very good advice from Linda Gilbow. May you be have more grace for yourself.
Callie, how wonderful that by spending time in the word, your perspective quickly shifts. May God bless your marriage.
Foster Mama, may you have wisdom for this unique and stressful situation. May God give you the fruit of peace as you walk with Him in this.
I have been thinking a lot about Jesus’s command to make disciples, as this devotional mentioned. Matthew 28:19-20.
I heard a pastor share on a podcast that he was making the mistake of making converts and not disciples when he first started leading churches. I think the Lord blesses both, but I want to be someone who impacts a life to want to be a disciple.
I am trying not to make following Jesus look hard. I’m afraid that I may put my personal convictions on others, as a yoke. That is my fear, at least. Oh, I hope I don’t. Yet, I do not apologize for what the Lord has taught me. I do not want to follow the world. I want to stand firm in my beliefs and have big grace for those God has placed me with. Lord, please help me be both merciful to others and zealous for truth. I can be both. I also don’t want to speak so compassionately I dismiss truth. No. I need the Holy Spirit to do these things, big time. May You give us wisdom, Lord, today, as we seek You.