< Back to Devotional Guide Table of Contents

God’s Leaders are Equipped
June 2006 by Ted Schroeder

Read
Judges 6:11–7:23, Matthew 10:19, and Acts 2. What similarities do you see?

I have a friend who carries a small stone in his pocket. The stone is named “enough.” Having it there to touch often helps him remember that by God’s grace there is always enough. Enough time in the day to do what is needed. Enough food and shelter. Enough grace to cover his mistakes. Enough strength to accomplish what God directs. Enough hope to move on to tomorrow.

God’s leaders always have enough. Gideon, the “least of the least” by his own admission, had only 300 warriors, but they were enough to defeat the great Midianite army. The disciples, certainly not trained speakers, had enough courage to stand before the tribunals and judges who called them to account for their faith. There they spoke, not their words, but the words provided by the Spirit. The believers gathered at Pentecost had enough—enough of the fire of the Spirit to proclaim the Good News to the multitudes gathered. And thousands believed.

It is easy to fall into the “there is not enough” trap. By our human standards, there is never enough. Never enough time. Never enough money. Never enough workers. We live in a world of never enough. And if we try to run God’s church that way, we will always be frustrated, stopped, and struggling.

God always gives enough. We have enough gifts to make wonderful things happen. We have enough grace to overcome the failings and faults of today and make a better tomorrow. We have enough vision to see what God can do with us and through us in the place where we are. We are equipped to equip others generously and without hesitation.

Jesus said and continues to say, “You did not choose me but I chose you. . . .” (John 15:16) In that choosing we know that we are equipped with enough to do what God is calling us to do, now, in God’s world, among God’s people.

For reflection or discussion
What special gifts has God given you and your congregation? In what way are they enough? What can you hope to accomplish because you have enough?

Prayer
Lord, help us celebrate the gifts you give by sharing them quickly, generously, and openly. Let our giving startle the people of the world so that they “may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven.” In the name of the one who was able to do everything for us. Amen.

< Back to Devotional Guide Table of Contents