There are loads of great Christian sayings that circulate throughout the internet. They’re great because they’re short. But they aren’t always accurate.
One of the ones I think of is: God’s not looking for ability. He’s looking for availability.
I get that the saying is supposed to encourage those of us who think they have meager ability. Unfortunately, it makes it sound like you can be used by God as long as you make yourself available. The truth is, God only looks for people who are busy using their abilities already.
I challenge you to find a person in the Bible that was called while they were lounging around waiting to be used by God. David was anointed while he was protecting his dad’s flock. Elisha was called while he was plowing the fields. Paul was called when he was busy torturing Christians.
Every disciple was busy at their jobs when Jesus told them to drop what they were doing and follow Him.
God isn’t looking for people who are available. Frankly, Moses didn’t exactly make himself available when God spoke to him from a burning bush. In fact, Moses was straight up defiant because he felt inadequate.
Instead, I believe God is looking for faithful people. He’s looking for people who put their hand to the plow. He wants people who are working hard at whatever they find and stewarding the talents God has already given them.
Yes, we need to make ourselves available. Ultimately, when God calls us, we need to be ready to go. But we can’t just wait around until we hear the call. We have to be faithful. We have to steward and develop our talents. Then God can use us amazingly. We do our part. He does His.
Perhaps a better way to phrase the saying is this: God’s ready to use your ability. Make yourself available when it’s time.
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