Not too long ago, I hosted a young couple in my home. Both research scientists with PhDs. Both in need of the Lord Jesus.
I’m not usually one to shrink back from sharing my faith, but as the differences became apparent, I couldn’t help but feel inadequate to say anything about the Lord.
What can I say?
Will they think I’m a fool?
Even if I get up the boldness to share, there’s no way I could answer their questions …
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
As I pondered the situation before the Lord, He gently reminded:
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NASB)
I remembered the story of Gideon (see Judges 6 &7), “God, we’re too small.” “God, are you suuure?”
… and yet, as Gideon and the Israelites went out to battle, the pots were broken, the light shone forth, and a glorious victory was won for the Lord.
I remembered Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God…”
And I remembered Ephesians 3:20: “to Him who is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us …”
It is all from Him. It is His power. It is His life in us. It is His glorious, life-changing good news.
Our Adequacy is From God
We don’t have to act perfectly or have it all together. We are not the gospel. We are ambassadors of Christ, called to represent Him on earth, but He is the gospel. And His life dwells within us.
All He requires for the light to shine forth is that vessel be broken.
God doesn’t ask us to muster up some cleverness of speech or some extra boldness to share. No, He Himself is powerful. The message of the good news itself is powerful. It is the news that the world needs today.
As we share this good news, may we not be ashamed. May we not shrink back or think we can’t or we don’t know enough. The treasure is in earthen vessels. The light shines brightest in our weakness.
“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate …” (2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NASB)
May the Lord use us in this way, so that the world may see our Lord and King and that the glorious light of the gospel may shine forth.
