How does Amos 7:15 encourage us to trust God's plan over our qualifications? Setting the Scene “ I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore figs. But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ ” (Amos 7:14-15) Amos’ Unlikely Résumé • Herdsman: day-to-day labor, manual, unseen • Tender of sycamore figs: seasonal side job, hardly glamorous • No prophetic lineage, schooling, or platform → In human terms, nothing qualified him for national ministry. God’s Sovereign Initiative • “The LORD took me…” — God interrupts ordinary life. • “Go, prophesy…” — The command supplies authority; God’s Word creates the calling. • Amos’ story shows the calling rests on God’s choice, not on personal credentials. How Amos 7:15 Builds Trust in God’s Plan • God sees capability we cannot see. • Divine assignments are rooted in His purpose, not our résumé. • Obedience, not pedigree, unlocks effectiveness. • If He calls, He equips. The order is always calling first, equipping second. Echoes Throughout Scripture • Moses: “I am slow of speech… ” (Exodus 4:10-12). God answers, “I will help you speak.” • Jeremiah: “I am only a child… ” (Jeremiah 1:6-8). God replies, “I am with you.” • Gideon: “My clan is the weakest…” (Judges 6:14-16). God says, “I will be with you.” • New-Covenant reassurance: – “Not that we are competent in ourselves… our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6) – “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) Practical Takeaways for Today • Examine the call, not your résumé; God already knows your limitations. • Step out when Scripture or the Spirit prompts—obedience activates grace. • Measure success by faithfulness, not by human benchmarks. • Celebrate ordinary backgrounds; they showcase extraordinary power. • Rest in Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” |
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