Our competence does not come from ourselves; it comes from God. It is God who qualifies us to do the things we do by His power and by His grace. When God calls us, He also qualifies us and makes us competent to do the work of His kingdom. (2 Corinthians 3:5–6).
As the Apostle Paul wrote, he and his companions were overwhelmed beyond their strength. They faced such great opposition in spreading the gospel that they despaired of life itself. Through this experience, they stopped relying on themselves and learned to rely completely on God, who raises the dead. (2 Corinthians 1:8–10). God was the One who qualified them, made them competent to do His work, and enabled them to be effective in producing fruit for His kingdom.
he Lord assures us that when He calls us, He will accomplish His purpose through us. "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24; Philippians 1:6).
In the work of God's kingdom, as we lift up the name of Christ so that all may believe and receive the free gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus (John 3:16; John 12:32), we must not lean on our own understanding but allow the Holy Spirit to lead our way. (Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 8:14). With humble and gentle hearts, like our Lord Jesus Christ, we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. (Matthew 11:29; Luke 9:23).
We must depend completely on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, put on the full armour of God, and stand our ground, standing firm in God's Word and in His promises that can never fail. (Ephesians 6:10–18; Hebrews 10:23).
We must not rely on our own limited strength or efforts, nor think that success comes from simply trying harder each day. Rather, we should know that whatever God has called us to do, He will give us everything we need to accomplish it because of His great power, strength, and grace working within us. (2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 2:13).
We do what we are called to do in the strength of the Lord and in His mighty power, which is at work within us, enabling us both to will and to act according to His good purpose. (Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 2:13).
The Apostle Paul also wrote, "I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." Yet he became a living example of God's amazing grace toward the worst of sinners. (1 Corinthians 15:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:15–16). Paul laboured harder than all the other apostles, yet he acknowledged that it was not by his own strength, but by the grace of God working through him. (1 Corinthians 15:10). His competence, effectiveness, and fruitfulness in ministry all came from God, who called him to be a servant and a witness for His kingdom. (Acts 26:16–18; 2 Corinthians 3:5–6).
May we always remember that our competence is not found in ourselves but in God alone. When He calls us, He also equips us, strengthens us, and faithfully completes the work He has begun in us. Therefore, let us walk by faith, depend on His grace, and give Him all the glory for every good work accomplished through our lives. (Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:8–10; Jude 24–25).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that our competence does not come from ourselves but from You alone. Thank You for calling us, qualifying us, and equipping us by Your grace and the power of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we have relied on our own strength and understanding instead of trusting completely in You.
Teach us to walk humbly before You, to depend daily on Your grace, and to stand firm in Your Word and promises. Strengthen us to carry out the work You have entrusted to us, knowing that You will provide everything we need to accomplish Your purpose.
May our lives bear much fruit for Your kingdom, and may all the glory belong to You alone.
Help us to follow the example of the Apostle Paul, serving faithfully with hearts full of gratitude, recognizing that every good work is accomplished by Your power working within us. May we remain faithful until the day we see our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.