Have you ever been in a situation when you felt God calling your name to a particular task, and at the same time you felt that He had the wrong person for the job?
I remember when I felt God calling me to become a counselor at a Pregnancy Care Center during a time when I was going through infertility struggles. “Lord,” I said, “You’ve got the wrong person for the job. How can I talk to women who are in a crisis pregnancy situation when all I want is a pregnancy situation? Nope you’ve got the wrong gal.”
Moses felt the same way when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. “Who am I that I should go to the Pharaoh?” he cried.
Look at how God answered Moses.
And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:12, emphasis added).
It was almost as if He ignored the question on the table and told Moses what he really needed to know. “I will be with you.” In other words, “Don’t worry about who you are. Concentrate on Who I AM. I’ll be with you. I’ve got this. You just hang on tight.”
Isn’t it a comfort to know that God is always with you? Always! David wrote:
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me.
Your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:7–10).
Paul wrote:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God’s words to the Israelites also apply to you and me: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5).
God’s presence envelops us as we live and move and have our being in Him. So many times we glibly suggest or imploringly beg for God to be with us as if we have to coax Him out of hiding. David debunks that idea. There is no place we can go that is away from God’s presence. Most Christians would say they believe this truth, but then live like they don’t.
So, when God calls us to a task, we aren’t going in alone. He’s going with us to empower and equip us.
One day I was praying for my son, a prayer that had almost become as rote as “God is great. God is good.” “God, please be with Steven today,” I whispered.
Just as abruptly as a referee’s whistle calling foul, God stopped me mid-sentence. Why do you pray that every day? He seemed to say. I AM with Steven. I’m with him every day. Why do you ask for something he already has as if you don’t believe Me?
God was right! Imagine that. So I amended my mother’s prayer. “Dear Lord, please help Steven be aware of Your presence today.”
The truth of God’s here-ness and nearness is punctuated throughout Scripture. So no matter what you are going through or what God has called you to, remember, He is right there with you. You’re never alone. And you can do whatever He calls you to do.
Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are with me. I can do everything that You have called me to do because of Your power working in my weakness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is one thing that you feel like God is calling you to do, but you’ve felt like He’s got the wrong girl for the gig? Leave a comment and let’s compare notes.
What do you think He is saying to your reluctance?
Don’t let the enemy tell you that you don’t have what it takes to do what God’s called you to do. Don’t let him tell you that you’re not smart enough, good enough, or just not enough period. Because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross and His spirit in you, you are enough. Period! Want to really get this truth in your heart? Check out my book, Enough: Silencing the Lies that Steal Your Confidence and let’s do it together!
Need prayer? Visit my Prayer Wall to submit a request and pray for others.
© 2022 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Comments 41
Just the word I needed and am sharing w/several others today!!
Being a wife, mother to 12, gramma to 12, homeschool mom to 6 still at home (4 teenagers and 2 preschoolers). All I’ve dreamed of is growing up, getting married and having a big family. God has blessed me with a husband and birth, step and adopted children! We are blessed indeed. However, I struggle with feelings of inadequacy! Thank you for your timely reminder….God is with us, He is for us and He loves us!
Well, 23 years ago I had believed that I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me. Saying: Don’t take it personal, you need to stay with your husband and do everything you can to allow him to change his life. Together 42 years now, most days I don’t feel up to the task. And question if I truly heard the Holy Spirit. Though it is never wrong to forgive and try to save a marriage.
Thank you so much for this teaching. It truly spoke to right where I am today. My Steven is a prodigal living hundreds of miles away and I have prayed the same way. Being a widow makes it feel harder. I feel like God used this to meet me where I am.
Being a pastor’s wife. My husband has pastored a small church since 2004, it’s very small right now with one child in Children’s Ministry that I teach. I sincerely don’t understand why the Lord has not brought more people to His church, and I wonder if it’s because I’m doing something wrong to be very honest.
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Now Essie, don’t you listen to lies of the enemy. God doesn’t work that way. The church is not going to grow or not grow because of something you do or don’t do. Yiu can take that weight off your shoulders right now.
Hey Essie. That one child is so important. All the better for that one child, please cherish and develop the ones that are there. If you can be trusted with little you will be trusted with much. That one child is a precious soul. When your season changes you may not be able to give as much time. You go ahead be fruitful multiply and make disciples of him I am so excited for you. Blessings. Also reach out to the family of the child if you can. With one child you could be impacting generations.
Sister , I understand. I am the pastor of a small church, and our children’s ministry has dwindled as well. BUT God is still God, He still desires to use US miraculously, so when things get grim, I am led to the words of Paul to thank the Lord in all things. God still has a plan and He is still mighty and will still accomplish it! It is not the NUMBERS that matter to God, it’s the NAMES. You be the best teacher to that little one you can be and ask them to invite friends to come too. God honors faithfulness!
I understand how you feel because I go to a small church too, and I don’t understand why it isn’t growing. It can be very discouraging. Your children’s ministry is worth it even if it’s just for one child. You can have such an impact on that precious child! Years ago, my friend and another woman were the only ones who signed up for a Bible study so the leader cancelled it! That was pretty hurtful. It was like they didn’t matter.
The enemy wants us to give up when it seems like there isn’t any fruit from our labors. He also wants us to think something’s wrong with us. Don’t listen to him! God isn’t concerned about any of that. He brings good out of everything we do for Him, no matter how small it is. And He’s working even if we don’t see it.
Awesome words of truths please pray that I will remain faithful to God.
Yes, Father, help us to feel Your presence today!
Amen Sharon
What perfect timing! Thank you for this reminder
My husband and I have been charged with taking care of a bipolar son. We still struggle with how to talk to him, it’s like walking on eggshells. That’s part of the disease.
We need constant wisdom, moment by moment. Praying to stay faithful to God.
He’s been homeless for 10 years. Living out of cars that we’ve given him to keep him safe and off the street. He’s lived with us on and off but it’s not a safe situation for us as we’re in our 70’s. Amazing that God has chosen us.
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What a wonderful perspective. Your reward in heaven will be great.
I literally said this to myself (to Him) this past week. I felt a calling to work in a ministry for women and children who are broken. And yet it downed on me, I am still a broken women healing from my husband leaving me with 3 children to fend for ourselves… who am I to help other women. But God is with me and He has brought me through so many tribulations, I know he will use me for His good!
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You are exactly who God would use! If you hadn’t experienced brokenness then you couldn’t understand how they feel or what they are going through.
Hi Beverley
That’s exactly my passion but going through a messy divorce right now., but praying ernestly. Was in ministry for 12years side-by -side with my husband, but God uses “broken people” to further HIS ministry. I believe God will use me, and you, where HE sees fit, trust in HIS promises and trust in HIS timing
Blessings,
Beverly…who better to serve broken women than a woman who has been through this situation…now holding wisdom from her experience. Go forth and share what you have survived!
Be Strong…God has equipped you for this task!!
I’ve written a short book/30 day guide. I’m trying to self publish but the task seems daunting to me.
I keep ignoring that “to do” on my list, in part because I feel unqualified and that no one cares what God placed on my heart 13 years ago.
I’m not a writer. I’m just a flawed human who loves Jesus and wants to be obedient.
Susan, I know what you mean, but as Sharon said, the task seemed “daunting” to others too. A couple thoughts – do you have a friend, someone at church or relative who could help you or clarify how to do it. OR, Since it has been that long, maybe put out feelers to see if a publisher is interested now.
Admittedly, I’m regularly surprised at how often I forget that God is right here with me in the day to day, hour by hour! AND how these verses remind me of the magnitude of God’s love and the sacrifice His Son accomplished on the cross to save me. I also appreciated the example you gave about how these verses helped you see the need to change your prayer for your son! I’m inspired and convicted now, to reconsider my own prayer life. I want to remember to approach the throne of grace (of a Holy God) rightly and with humility, in accordance with His Word!
💕Thank you Sharon!
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I love learning with you Anne
I was asked to volunteer to lead the missions aspect of a young women’s ministry group but I have been struggling with my prayer life. So I have asked the Lord if I should do it.
God has called me to write a book on my struggle with insecurity. I struggle with not feeling good enough, that the words won’t come. I am not a writer by nature but I know that He has called me. I know He will equip me, I have to persevere.
This word blessed me in a mighty way. It feels like God talking directly to me… Thank you for the reassurance to know God is near, he knows me and he sees me and will heal and restore everything that the enemy tries to kill, steal and destroy in my life. I’m determined to stay faithful to God and to submit to His will and His way and to be a good steward of all that He has entrusted me with. God bless you for sharing your gift and being faithful with your gift. May God multiply all that you have in your hands.
thank you for sharing Gods word. I loved this article, needed to hear this. Blessings Toodie
A year ago God asked me to lead women who are looking for healing and recovering from infidelity (they are the ones who were unfaithful) because God has been healing me from being unfaithful. I told him he had the wrong person for that job. For a year, I chose to believe the lies that I am not healed enough to help others. I’ve still got more work to do before I can help anyone. Who do you think you are? Do you really think you are worthy to help others heal when you still struggle. I would begin the process of serving unfaithful women in a program that I went through, but I’d believe the lies and quit. So many lies. But God’s voice grew louder. For a long time I kept telling him he has the wrong person but all the while he was showing me people in the Bible who he called to do things and he was showing me how he equipped them to do what he called them to do. Six months ago I finally told God if this was what he wanted, I’d be obedient. I prayed like I never prayed before and he led me. I began the training program. Tomorrow, I will begin to lead my first group of women as they begin the journey of healing from being unfaithful. I know God has brought these specific women to me, to walk with them through this hard journey and his right hand will hold me fast.
So a dear friend forwarded this to me and I read every word because I knew she was trying to send me a hint maybe! I can’t wait to talk with her, because she knows I have been antsy about what is next! Because she knows I am ready! I have questioned God too but He is saying “wait”!!! So I have been reading Habakkuk in the meantime!!!
I wish I could answer this one question. I really don’t know what the one thing God is calling me to do is…?! (prayers for clarity!) Ty.
Thank you for your insights, this is something I wrestle with on daily basis.
God answered my job interview questions for me. I used big words that are normally not what comes out of my mouth. I felt underqualified for the position. But I got it! I think I know why God has me there. I work with two guys. One is 26 years old and never really learned about God. The other is 61 years old and became angry with God over the loss of his sister from cancer when he was a teenager. He and his family also had a bad experience with a church they attended. Now his heart is hardened towards anything to do with religion. He thinks it’s a conspiracy to get people to follow rules. I’ve never been a witness for God before. But I think that’s why I am where I am. Trying to find the right way to plant a seed.
Thank you for this landing in my email box today! It felt like it was directly speaking to my situation, I have really been struggling w/anxiety – esp. interacting w/people. My daugther’s school has been desperate for volunteers to help on a board and I felt led to sign-up. But now that it is beginning and I need to connect with teachers and parents, I am second-guessing myself all over the place and God’s leading. Is this really what I am supposed to do?? Isn’t there someone else God? Thankful for the reminder to not listen to the questions and doubts but to be still and hear His whispers of truth. Grateful for your words of rest for my soul.
Thank you. A very timely reminder as our school term starts in Australia. Due to the teacher shortage in our area I am covering 2 teaching positions in our school as well as a leadership position. I struggle with feeling like I am not doing any of the positions adequately. I know it is God’s plan and He is with me, practically it can be difficult some days to have the confidence in my ability to carry out His plan.
I’ve always felt God calling me but to what end, I am unsure. I have been battling lung cancer since 2017 and I have been in some dark places only HE could bring me out of. I currently have lesions on my liver, a tumor on my kidney and areas in both lungs. I with God’s help am making bookmarks for patients at the cancer center I go to for treatment and hope to donate free bookmarks to children’s cancer centers in area. Made by hand for the most part, I print out some stuff but other wise hand made. Making bookmarks is all I can do to give back I guess and hopefully spread God’s word. Bless all of you!!
Thats so neat Kelly. Instead of wallowing you are being productive in giving and blessing others. I just prayed for you.
Amazing. Reasuring wirds.
God bless you.
“Oh, Abba, our Sovereign Father, please help us and the families that You have blest is with, to be aware and feel Your intense Presence Always.
It is in Savior Jesus’ Babe, that I pray!”
Oh, Abba, our Sovereign Father, please help us and the families that You have blest us with,
to be aware and feel Your intense Presence Always.
It is in Savior Jesus’ Babe, that I pray!”
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I heard from this lady to start a Bible study for these special girls who are from Kapingamarangi Island. They are Polynesian by descent but situated geographically in Micronesia.
Anyways, I taught for a few years but sadly I fell into sin. And stepped down from my position.as a Bible study leader…. It’s something I’m so remorseful about.
Now I would think about starting a Bible study again for those same girls. It wasn’t something I thought about but it just quietly came to my mind and with great yearnings. I wasn’t sure if it was from God. I told it to my mentor and she said it’s from God. That was 2 years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic. Then just recently I dreamt about those girls and I remembered those thoughts years ago. Come to think about it I asked my mentor if she can teach them and I will be an assistant. I feel inadequate to teach.
Now with Jesus coming now I feel compelled to teach those girls. My problem is I don’t have a place to teach them. I do want to have Bible study for them as they are precious to me. But I need prayers for a place for them to join me for Bible study.
I remember the first day I accompanied my friend in his homeless ministry. I found myself in a world I hadn’t known existed! I went into tunnels and through thickets to come into trash threwn surroundings with makeshift dwellings they called their homes. I saw large bags of food, days old that were still being eaten, as if it was an animal’s kill protected for its survival. Needles were cast aside along the pathways as well as bicycle parts and soiled clothes.
I listened as my team members approached with a cheerful “Good morning, would you like some hot coffee and a burrito”. As the shuffling went on inside their tents, we all waited patiently and quietly, with respect for their homes. As they emerged, forcing their eyes to adjust to the light, we would hand them coffee and burritos and other items of food and drink. We would address them by name if known to us and inquire as to how they were getting along. We always talked of the love of God for them and His desire for a better life for them as well. Prayer ended our visits with a blessing over their home.
I came home that first morning thinking that I wasn’t equipped to do that. I didn’t have the flow of scripture coming from my mouth nor the words of encouragement or love. As I was pondering these thoughts, God directed me to the door of my refrigerator where I had written the scriptures that attested as to whom I was in Christ. He showed me that I was everything in Christ that was necessary to bring love and compassion and the Word of God to these troubled souls.
That was two years ago and I am continuing with this ministry, sometimes reluctantly but always blessed.