Clueless But Called

Have you ever felt completely inadequate for a task? Yeah, me too! Ignatius of Loyola was a vain, glory-hungry young soldier in 16th-century Spain—more interested in fame and romance than faith. Clueless about God's calling, he chased honour on the battlefield until a cannonball shattered his leg and his plans. During a long painful recovery, he had nothing to read but stories of Jesus and the saints. Slowly, conviction replaced ambition. That once-aimless dreamer surrendered to Christ and went on to found the Jesuits, one of the most influential missionary and educational movements in history. Sometimes God calls the clueless, not because they're ready but because He's about to make them ready. I so relate to that – how about you? When I stepped in to lead the media ministry of Christianityworks, hey … clueless doesn't begin to describe where I was at. I had absolutely no idea what to do. I felt called, I had childlike faith, I had business skills to be sure, but reviving a dying ministry on life support was completely beyond me. What Ignatius discovered, what I discovered, what countless others down through the centuries have discovered, is that in God's service, it's okay not to have it all figured out. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (NRSV) In other words, we're not meant to have it all figured out. God doesn't require perfect plans of us; He simply asks for our trust. His guidance comes as we walk with Him, not according to our less-than-brilliant plans. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.