His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 1:18)
IN THE LATE SUMMER, my family and I make several trips to the local blueberry farm. Our berry picking rules are simple: have fun, enjoy the warmth, and select ripe fruit, not the half ripe or ones with spots.
In our humanity, we often see ourselves as “imperfect blueberries” and feel that our blemishes prevent God from using us. However, God does not choose candidates for tasks in the same manner that we select fruit. God chooses differently. In fact, He often chooses the unlikely.
Scripture is filled with evidence of God’s unlikely choices. Mary, a teenager chosen as the mother of Jesus, remained steadfast even after receiving her assignment. This rookie with a willing heart was an unlikely candidate. Joseph was another. Even Jesus’ disciples were unlikely candidates.
None of us know what mission God will ask us to complete. The important thing is to be willing to accept the challenge and follow God regardless of where He leads.
Are you an unlikely candidate? Yes. You are; I am; we all are unlikely candidates, yet we have the potential to impact society on God’s behalf. Old or young, seasoned or green, God calls the unlikely, yet He chooses perfectly. Will you allow God to use you for His purpose?
Listen for God’s calling and humbly respond.
Jill Printzenhoff is a science teacher and avid reader. She enjoys kayaking, fishing, bike riding, hiking, and vacationing with her husband and their two daughters.
© 2017 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
