Equipping The Called
Why your "inadequacy" is God's opportunity
I remember sitting on my bed that morning, sharing my heart and my fears with the Father. The children’s ministry organization that I’d been volunteering with for the last five years, had asked me to step into full-time ministry.
To most, this probably sounds like a promotion; but to me, a typical introvert, it felt like an invitation to confront my greatest fears. Public speaking, fundraising, and a leadership role I felt entirely unqualified for. Although, to be honest, I was flattered that they saw potential in me.
In my prayer that morning, I was speaking to the Lord in Afrikaans, our home language, I said: “Here, ek voel so benoud oor hierdie besluit.” (Lord, I feel so anxious/distressed about this discission.)
As I was speaking, I felt lead to open my Bible to Psalm 50, and it was verse 15 that jumped out at me. In the English translation, it says, “Call on me in the day of trouble...”
I was reading it in the Afrikaans translation, and when I got to verse 15 it was like - Wow! I read: “Roep my aan in die dag van benoudheid...”
Father had lead me to a verse that used the exact word I’d spoken to Him. In that one word, Benoudheid, He was acknowledging my distress and answering it with a promise: “Ek sal jou uithelp, en jy sal My eer.” (I will deliver you, and you shall honour Me”.
I understand that in the context of Psalm 50, God was speaking to His covenant people, Israel, but in that moment, He was speaking directly to me, His covenant daughter. And I knew right then what my answer would be, for if God was on my side, who could possibly be against me?
The Covenant of Sacrifice
In Psalm 50 we read about God shining forth in perfect beauty out of Zion.
Historically, Zion referred to the City of David, or the hill in Jerusalem where the Temple was built. It was the dwelling place of God in Old Covenant times.
Today, in New Covenant times, as daughters of Zion ( a term primarily used as a personification of the people of Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah, and now includes those of us who are in Christ) His beauty is meant to shine through us into whatever calling He has placed on our lives. We are now His dwelling place.
But this beauty requires a “covenant of sacrifice” - a sacrificing of our old life, our comfort zones, our fears, and our endless list of excuses as to why we’re “unqualified” - for the new life in Christ.
Our sacrifice is no longer one of offering sacrificial animals to God, but rather to offer thanksgiving by fulfilling our vows and keeping our commitments to Him when we trust Him with all our hearts.
"God does not begin by examining our abilities to see if they are worthy of his help. He will help us if we are completely empty and wholly give ourselves to him." Charles Spurgeon
When we dare to say “Yes” to the calling, the “equipping” begins.
I saw this play out in ways I never expected:
He provided and sustained me: Moving from volunteer to full-time required resources and training I didn’t have, yet He provided above and beyond what I could have wished for.
His favour was upon me: He opened doors with people I was once afraid to approach. At that stage I would rather have died than have to meet with Pastors and other male leaders.
He protected me: In our context in South Africa, I spent years traveling alone into informal settlements to promote the ministry, train teachers and spread the Gospel. Many called it irresponsible or dangerous, yet I never once encountered danger or even felt the least bit afraid. His protection was my constant companion.
The "But Lord..." List of Common Excuses
As I waited for that phone call, my mind was a whirlwind of reasons why I should say no. I suspect many of you are experiencing that same whirlwind today.
When God asks us to step out, our first instinct is often to hand Him a resume of our inadequacies. We hide behind excuses that feel like "humility" but are actually just "fear":
Even with a word from God, we’re sometimes tempted to look behind and step back into our old life. This happens when we start to come up with excuses like:
The “Moses” Excuse: “I’m not a public speaker; I don’t have the charisma or the right words.”
The “Resource” Excuse: “I hate the idea of asking for money, it makes me feel like a beggar.” This was a big one for me!
The “Personality” Excuse: “I’m an introvert; surely God needs someone who’s more dynamic, who will listen to me?”
The truth is: God doesn’t “need” you to fulfil a calling, He wants you to fulfil it. He isn’t looking for your ability, but your availability.
As the saying goes, “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”
Steps for moving beyond your own “Trouble” (benoudheid)
Name your “Trouble” (Your Benoudheid): Spend time with the Father being brutally honest. What exactly is it that you fear? Name it, so you can hear Him answer it.
Identify Your Hesitation: Is your “no” based on a lack of faith in His ability, or a lack of confidence in your own?
Find Your Anchor Verse: Stay in the Word until a specific passage or promise settles in your heart. The Father will always confirm His intentions through His word.
Step out in faith: Don’t wait for the fear to vanish before you say yes. The peace, and the boldness you need often arrives after you’ve stepped through the door.
Reflection Questions
What “old life” comfort are you being asked to sacrifice to step into a new calling?
Is there a specific word of “trouble” you need to bring to Him today?
Where have you seen His protection or favour in the past that can give you courage for the future?
If you’re waiting to feel “qualified” before you say yes, you’ll be waiting forever. Step out in your weakness and watch how God provides the strength!
Conclusion:
As I wrestled with my own limitations, the Lord met me in the pages of Psalm 50:15: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
In that moment, I realized that my "trouble" - my nerves, my hesitation, and my lack of a "bold" personality - wasn't a barrier to His plan. It was the very space He intended to fill.
If you’re standing at the edge of a "yes" today, feeling like you lack the personality or the tools to move forward, remember this: God doesn’t need your ability; He only asks for your availability.
When He calls you, He isn't just sending you out on your own, He’s going with you, and He is the one who will do the “qualifying”.
What’s one small "yes" you can give Him today?
Feel free to share your “trouble” with us in the comments.
Thank you for reading this post. If you have been encouraged by it, please pay it forward by sharing it with someone who may be facing their own struggle.
Grateful for this message. It speaks deeper than a simple title.
“Equipped the called” reminds me that God writes strength into people who feel unqualified. So I will take this as a guide and a prayer, asking Him for strength, courage, and wisdom for the road ahead.