I want to share with you tonight what I have been thinking about all week. Last Saturday night at Six O'Clock ROC Pastor Geronimo shared that he and some friends had been to see the movie, "The Nativity Story". I haven't seen it, but plan to do so. Apparently, in the movie, Mary who is pregnant with the Son of God, asks her cousin, Elizabeth, "Why me? Why did He choose me?"
Pastor Geronimo had an entirely different sermon planned, but when the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart during the worship, he knew he was to lay that sermon aside and share what the Lord was putting in his heart. He realized that the answer to Mary's questions was very simple: God chose Mary because she was AVAILABLE. It's the same reason He chooses any of us. It's not because we are so smart or clever. It really has nothing to do with us, except that God is looking for people who are not living their lives by their own agenda, but really are seeking the Lord, His will, and just being available for Him.
I have been thinking about my own life, especially in view of the recent night when I was so blessed and honored by family and friends for my "retirement". It was very humbling, but the fact remains, the only reason God chose me to do anything for Him in this city was because I was available ... not because I knew what I was doing or even where to start. God is just looking for willing vessels. He is the Potter and we are just the clay ... absolutely NOTHING till the Potter has His way.
It will take everything in us to stay available, because there is a world that is screaming for our attention. And one thing is for sure, being available is not a one shot deal. Being available is a moment to moment decision that is part of dying to self and taking up our cross daily.
God is not as interested in our ability as He is in our availability.
May we choose moment by moment to be available to Him ...
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