"For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).

"There are many reasons why God wouldn't want to use many of us, but don't worry. We're in good company!"

Moses stuttered. David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Timothy had ulcers. Peter was afraid of death. Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Jesus was too poor. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. John the Baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was a worrywart. Noah got drunk. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter, Paul -- well, lots of folks did"

But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our Dad than our Boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. As much as we try, God's gifts are free.

We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be Wonderful. Satan says, "You're not worthy." Jesus says, "So what? I AM."

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn't calculate what we did in '78. It's not even on the record.

Sure. There are lots of reasons why God shouldn't have called us. But if we are deeply in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like.

I pray that as believers we will step out of our limitations into the unlimited nature of who God is. Then our passion for God and our passion to communicate with Him will make short work of our limitations."

Matt Tullos