Our Old Testament lesson is Genesis 17:1-7.
Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying,“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you.
God called Abram into a special relationship, and promised that he would be the father of many nations, even though Abram was already ninety nine years old. We often think that God only interacts with special people in special circumstances, but the truth is Abram was nobody special. God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary work.
We are all special to God. His love and His gifts to us allow us to respond in faith when we are called to be part of His plan. Our own lack of ability or skill doesn’t matter. If God says He will use us, He will give us what we need to be successful.
God calls everyone to share His love with the world. Our own insecurities make us doubt our capability to respond, but God will fit us for the service to which we are called. It isn’t up to us!
Gracious God, we are grateful for the gifts You give and the work You have for us. Help us respond in faith, knowing You will bless our efforts. Amen.