Qualified to be a Hero?

There are many words we would use to describe the ideal hero. Christians are especially adept at this, because we tend to use lofty words to lift our leaders onto the pedestals we have prepared for them. It would take too much room to compile such a list, so I have chosen to compile a list of words none of us would probably ever shower onto those we deem "mighty in the faith".

• Hard-pressed
• Perplexed
• Persecuted
• Struck-down
• Vagabonds
• Murdered
• Barren
• Uncertain
• Unclear
• Hidden
• Mistreated
• Disgraced

I pulled all of these words from 2 Corinthians 4 and Hebrews 11. In Paul's epistle to the Corinthian church, he makes the statement that I believe should be the cry of the heart of every hero God has called forth:

"For we have this treasure [the glory of God] in jars of clay [this mortal body] to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Cor 4:7 NIV)

I wrote about Gideon earlier this week. He is my personal favorite Biblical hero, simply because he was completely unequal to the task God called him to, yet SOMEHOW he was victorious. The scripture above is the key to his victory. God chooses everyday to call people like you and I to achieve amazing things for HIS glory, by HIS glory and power.

I am reminded of Peter, who vehemently denied any knowledge of Jesus Christ or what He had taught. Peter's fear completely overwhelmed him and he lied about even being associated with Christ! Yet Jesus told this brash, mouthy disciple, "I know you're going to walk away, but you will return and strengthen your brothers and all the believers." How could he? What happened to Peter that enabled him to return, stronger than before, and preach the gospel to 3000 people and see them all turn to Christ?

He was filled with this, "...all-surpassing power..." that Paul wrote about and it changed him. It changed him so radically that in Acts 3, Peter tells the Pharisees, "We would love to give our lives for the cause of this gospel of Jesus Christ". Excuse me? Wasn't he the guy who just a few weeks earlier was ducking into back alleys to avoid the government thugs and his fellow disciples?

This is what happens when God decides He is going to use you for the work that must be done for His Kingdom. HE equips, He maintains, He outfits you for the work that must be achieved. I told a friend of mine this week, when God decides He will have you and you yield to Him, He will stop at nothing to get you ready for the job you alone can do!

I'm telling you this because many of you have wondered what you have to do to further God's work in you. I have good news! All you have to do is let Him do His thing! Surrender yourself, spirit-soul-body, to the Master and He will do all the work that must be done in you! Gideon's promise was, "I will be with you." God's promise to you is the promise that the Holy Spirit is here with you to empower you to move into His purpose and plan.

My prayer is you will be courageous and let God move! God wants to, dare I say He NEEDS to move through us to get some things done for the advancement of His Kingdom. "Let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!" Yield to Him. Realize you are not expected to pull this off on your own.

Beloved, He's got the tools ready! All He needs is you!

Be Blessed!

Jennifer Barnes

UPLIFT! Editor