There are many reasons why God shouldn’t have called you. But don’t worry. You’re in good company.

• Moses stuttered.

• David’s armor didn’t fit.

• John Mark was rejected by Paul.

• Timothy had ulcers.

• Hosea’s wife was a prostitute.

• Amos’ only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.

• Jacob was a liar.

• David had an affair.

• Solomon was too rich.

• Jesus was too poor.

• Abraham was too old.

• David was too young.

• Peter was afraid of death.

• Lazarus was dead.

• John was self-righteous.

• Naomi was a widow.

• Paul was a murderer.

• So was Moses.

• Jonah ran from God.

• Miriam was a gossip.

• Gideon and Thomas both doubted.

• Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.

• Elijah was burned out.

• John the Baptist was a loudmouth.

• Martha was a worry-wart.

• Mary was lazy.

• Samson had long hair.

• Noah got drunk.

• Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?

• So did Peter, Paul—well, lots of folks did.

But God doesn’t require a job interview. He doesn’t hire and fire like most bosses, because He’s more our Dad than our Boss. He doesn’t look at financial gain or loss. He’s not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need.

As much as we try, God’s gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be...Wonderful.

Satan says, “You’re not worthy.”

Jesus says, “So what? I AM.”

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes.

God looks back and sees the cross

The Fourth Dimension, November 1998, p.