Elijah was a human being, even as we are. James 5:17a

I don’t know who said it, but I like this saying: “We are all crooked sticks through whom God strikes a straight blow.” Perhaps it’s a version of what Martin Luther may have said: “God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick.”

Do you, like me, resonate with the idea of being a crooked stick?  I am very aware of my many flaws.  I have to be reminded over and over, that God will never call me to do something without giving me everything that is necessary for whatever task He’s put in my hand to do.  His hand on my hand is key.

Do you know who Jesus chose as His three key representatives—men who would be brought before governors and kings on His behalf? He chose Peter, James and John, who were not lawyers, not CEOs, not religious leaders, but fishermen. Jesus told them, “Do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that time, you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Matthew 10:18-20).

“By his divine power,” the Bible book of 2 Peter says, “God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3).  Follower of Jesus, Jesus sees you as filled with His Spirit.  He sees you as already given all that you need to accomplish the purpose that He created you for. Let His hand move you, fellow crooked stick.

 

Resource reading:  2 Peter 1:3-11