It was my
freshman year in college and my first ever communications course. For weeks, we
studied concepts from our textbooks, took quizzes and exams. Everything was
pretty straightforward and easy leading up to the point where our instructor
chose to shift gears.
I don’t know why I remember, but he was wearing a pale yellow short-sleeved button down shirt and brown polyester pants when he announced an assignment that sent terror ripping through the hearts of every student.
“You will be responsible for giving an 8-minute speaking presentation on a topic of your choosing,” he said in a monotone voice, adjusting his black-rimmed glasses.
A soft hum filled the atmosphere resulting from the questioning whispers of unsure peers, trying to figure out how in the world to overcome their anxieties.
A slight smirk appeared across his face, as he was seemingly amused by everyone’s discomfort.
I just sat there, feeling relatively calm.
You see, I had to speak at my father’s church regularly. From the time I was a young girl, he called upon me to have words. By the time I was 11, I was ministering the gospel.
But it was not until I turned 18 that Dad told me it was time to run my first revival. That meant, for a week, I would be the sole speaker, expected to deliver a cohesive message, pray for God’s people, and lead them into a time of spiritual refreshing and renewal.
What?!
Who, me? I thought.
The whole thing terrified me.
I remember begging not to have to accept his request, imagining the worst happening. I was sure I would not know what to say and was fully convinced that I was an inadequate vessel, not ready to be used by the Lord for anything such as that.
But dear Bishop Brinson would not hear of me backing down. He was not moved or phased by my fearful replies. Despite my protests, relenting wasn’t an option on the table.
I had to go and trust the Lord.
And friend, God showed up so mightily that even I was shocked by how His power was displayed from the very first night.
That week-long revival turned into two weeks and I’ve been going in God’s name ever since.
So when my communications professor posed that challenge in class that day, though I felt a bit of nervousness, I was confident that I would be able to meet it. My confidence was derived, not from my own skill or ability, but from the memories I had of God equipping me to complete past assignments He ordained me to do.
Sure enough, I did well on the presentation.
Still today, whenever I face something intimidating, I remember that 18-year-old girl who was scared out of her wits. But when I relied on God, His strength took over.
That’s what I want you to see.
There is no challenge, obstacle, or task too great for the God who lives inside you. It is He who empowers, equips and anoints you to thrive and overcome.
You and I, on our own, can do nothing. But with God, all things are possible. He specializes in taking the small, weak, feeble, fragile, unremarkable things and doing amazing things with them.
In John 6, Jesus took a little boy’s lunch and fed thousands. In Exodus, we see God do the miraculous using something as simple as Moses’ staff.
It’s not about what you have in your hands, but it’s about who has you in their hands that makes all the difference. God is in control.
You are not too small to be used. You are not too insignificant to make a difference. You are not less than, because God is greater than any and everything you will ever confront. It is not by your might, or by your power, but it is by His spirit that the work is done in and through you.
To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring John 15:4 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that all you need to do in order to be fruitful and effective in your life is stay connected to the vine, which is Jesus Christ. He has all the power.
Acts 17:28 says, “For in him we live and move and have our being.”
Again, you are not too small to complete the big tasks God has set before you, because He is not asking you to tap into your own strength. Rather, He wants you to lean on His.
He has an unlimited supply, infinite resources and abundant blessings awaiting those who will remain rooted and grounded in Him.
Now let’s pray.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
God, thank You for reminding me that when I feel overwhelmed by life and all I have to face, it is not my strength alone that gives me victory. It is You working through me that empowers me to overcome in every area. As Your word says in Psalm 62:1, oh God, “From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
