Are You Qualified?
When God called me to preach, I was sent to Moncure United Methodist Charge in Moncure, North Carolina. Moncure was so small it only had one stop sign. I had never preached a sermon before I entered Divinity School – I was a Chemist! On my first Sunday, I titled my sermon, “Why Am I Here?” I was nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. I had two churches, and at the second church that day, I met the Dean of the Duke Divinity School. His aunt went to this church and what a time for him to come to church. I was green as grass, nervous and had no experience in how to put a sermon together but I survived and he was gracious. I learned a valuable lesson that day. When God calls you, He provides a way for you to learn the necessary skills and be around loving people who will help you get the experience you need.
Noah didn’t have the right resume for building an ark. He wasn’t a boat builder. He wasn’t even a carpenter. Noah was a farmer. He was comfortable with dirt on his hands and a plow. Noah stood out because “he walked faithfully with God” (Genesis 6:9). God was looking for someone to deal with the evil of that day and Noah stood out. Noah was teachable!
The Hebrew word translated “walk faithfully” is used to describe one’s lifestyle or conduct. In Genesis 5:22, 24, it is said of Enoch that he “walked faithfully with God”. In Genesis 17:1, Abraham was commanded by God to “walk before me faithfully. All three of these men – Enoch, Noah, and Abraham – are commended for their faith. Their faith compelled them to honor God by the way they lived.
When opportunities to serve God come our way, we may not feel qualified for the work. God is not as concerned with our skillset as He is our willingness to listen and learn. God prizes our character, our love for Him, and our willingness to trust Him. When God calls, He will guide us to be who He needs us to be. When God calls – We are to say, “Here I am”.
Prayer – Dear God – give me a heart that is willing to serve You in every way. Teach me what I need to know to serve you and your people. Fill me with Your Spirit! Amen.
Genesis 6:9 – Noah walked faithfully with God.
Author: Tommy Herndon
