Qualification: (noun) A quality, ability, or accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task (American Heritage Dictionary)

In Priscilla Shirer’s study on Jonah, Navigating a Life Interrupted, she says, “Forgiveness of past sin qualifies us for present service.”

I’m reading in Exodus about Moses, the man whom God appointed to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt. Even with God’s clear instruction, Moses questioned more than once his speaking skills. The Lord replied to Moses, Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say. (Exodus 4: 11-12) Moses argued again, and God allowed Aaron, his brother to speak for him. But God’s plans were not thwarted; He still used Moses to deliver the Israelites.

I’ve been forgiven much. I’ve experienced abundant grace. According to the above definition, I’m qualified to tell of God’s forgiveness and grace. And He keeps placing people in my path who need to hear what I’ve experienced. Yet I keep asking Him,

Who am I?

I keep saying to Him,

I haven’t been properly educated for this.

What if I mess up?

What if I tell them something that does more harm than good?

So He reminds me of the very words He spoke to Moses. He tells me that He’ll teach me what to say. I just have to be faithful to be available for the “present service” for which He has qualified me. I admit…

I’m scared.

But more than that…

grace.

Grace to share as often as He requires. Grace to tell the ugliness of my story, leading up to forgiveness. Grace to be His hands and feet…and mouth.

Grace… God in me.