Women’s Prayer Team - Week 11
Have you heard of the Experiencing God Bible Study? Well, if you've stepped foot on Mid-Way's Church Campus this year, there's a high chance someone has brought it up. My husband and I have been going through it individually since we teach Middle School Life University, and it feels like I am being slapped in the face by wisdom everyday. I feel so humbled and encouraged by this study and wanted to touch on one of my favorite days so far.
This specific section talks of how God continues to use ordinary people to achieve His purposes, and finishes with my favorite part: God's standards are different than ours. In Luke 7:28 it tells us that, "...among those born of women there is no one greater than John." How long was John's ministry? Six months. In our eyes if someone says they've been doing ministry for six months, I'm sure we would say "that's it?" However, in just six months of complete surrender to God, the Son of Man tells us that there is none greater than John the Baptist. Imagine if we too, gave God six months of our life to join in on what He's doing around us and didn't let our doubts deter us.
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
PRAYER TIP #11 – God's standards are different from ours.
As believers, we have a tendency to compare ourselves in our very own church community. I don't need to give you examples because I'm sure some instances already came to your mind like it did for me. The problem with comparison is that it hinders us from doing what John the Baptist did, giving complete surrender to God. It leaves us feeling less than, weak, limited, or even unworthy. However, in Experiencing God it says, "Similarly, a person or church may be completely yielded to God and pleasing to Him yet appear insignificant to the world's eyes." Do not let the worlds standards distract you from how the Lord views you. God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish His eternal purposes, whether the person has been given great responsibility or little.
I want to encourage you today with this quote: "If you feel weak, limited, or ordinary, you are the exact type of person through whom God delights to work." So, what is the thing you've felt the Lord calling you to that you've talked yourself out of? Maybe it's to join that group, reach out to that certain person, offer your time to volunteer, love that person a little better, or even go to that country. Whatever it is, our God wants to use it for His purposes and will equip you every step of the way.
Prayer Points:
Lord, thank You for loving me in a way that's different from this world.
Lord, help me to not let my own doubts defeat the plan You have for me.
Lord, allow me to have the eyes to see where and how You're working around me.
Lord, allow my faith in You to lead me to action.
Lord, help me to remember how You view me and not how the world does.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for who You are. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for choosing the weak, foolish, and lowly things to be made new in You. Lord, I ask that I would consistently seek You everyday so that I am attuned to Your ways and not my own. Lord, I ask that if there's any distractions that are hindering my walk with You that You would take it away. Lord, I ask that I wouldn't compare myself to others around me, but would realize that You have different plans for all of Your children. Would You open my heart to what You are calling me to, big or small? Lord, I ask all of this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Best,
Emma Staubs