.          When God taps us on the shoulder and suggests that we get involved in kingdom work on a deeper level, we may be tempted to throw some excuses his way. A common excuse in biblical times that still shows up today is some version of, “I’m not up to the task.”

.          Moses comes to mind as he stood, facing the bush that burned without being consumed, reminding God of all the reasons he couldn’t really be the one to lead his people out of Egypt. True, he had been raised in the courts of Pharaoh, but was now exiled, and had been herding sheep and goats for 40 years. What could he, an 80-year-old man, really be expected to do?

.          Gideon also comes to mind:

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:14-15)
.          Timothy must have also had issues with this as his mentor, the apostle Paul, exhorts that he not let anyone think less of him because he is young, but instructs to instead be the example for those around him, “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

.          Obedience knows no age or ability restrictions. In fact, as you read about the people God chose throughout the centuries, you find that most of them had no reason to attempt what they set out to. God just told them “Go in the strength you have” and they responded, “Here am I, send me.”

.          God-sized things can only be accomplished by… well, God! But he will use us, if only we are willing to be used. Are you willing to wade out beyond your depth to get to where God is leading?