But Amos replied, "I'm not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, 'Go and prophesy to my people in Israel...'" ~ Amos 7:14-15 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. ~ Luke 5:10-11 (TNIV)
As far as I can tell God isn't anticlerical or prejudice against religious professionals. He goes the professional route often enough to keep us clergy-types happy. But somehow God missed the union directive which says that only those with solid training and the appropriate card can do God work. It's almost as though God enjoys using stinkin' shepherds and smelly fishermen and prostitutes (Joshua 2) and despicable tax-collectors (Matthew 9) and... to make his points.
What's up with that?
God, it is so tempting to hide behind my many "imperfections," lack of training and recognition -- the shortcomings. "You couldn't possibly be talking to me. I'm not qualified!" Move me beyond that nonsense. Bring someone(s) into my life today that needs to hear your message through me. And help me tune in to what you are wanting to say. I need some divine focus. After all, I'm just a ______. Amen.
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