Ezekiel 3:8-9

God has just told Ezekiel how tough his job is going to be. He tells the prophet that the people don’t listen to him and so they are unlikely to listen to Ezekiel either. God describes them as being hard-hearted and stubborn, and that made Ezekiel just the right man for the job! He had all the qualities needed for the tough role that he had been given.

I don’t believe we all have the gift of being obstinate and hard-hearted, but I do believe that God knows what he is doing and that he perfectly equips us for the work he calls us to do. Some of the work that God calls us to do requires people who are gentle and sensitive. Other tasks will require people who are determined and strong. We are all different, but God will make sure we have the gifts to do what he has called us to do. If we have the kind of challenges that Ezekiel had to face, God will no doubt give us foreheads that are as hard as the hardest rock, too!

It is important to know these things because the greatest fear is that we will get out of our depth and not be able to cope. Nobody wants that - least of all

God himself. He was able to reassure Ezekiel that he had nothing to fear, even though the people might give him angry looks and be openly rebellious.

That is what we find repeatedly as we meet different people in the Bible. Moses was a murderer and had a speech impediment, but God used him to be the leader of Israel at a decisive time. David was a shepherd and was viewed by his father as the least suitable of his sons, but God used him to be a mighty king of Israel. Jeremiah felt that he was too young, but God knew better and equipped him to be one of the foremost prophets of his time. And so we could go on. Time and again, we see God equipping people perfectly for the roles to which he called them.

Let this be a word of encouragement to you. Whatever God calls you to do, he will give you just what you need to be fruitful and effective for him.

QUESTION
What particular qualities has God given you?

PRAYER
Lord God, I thank you that I can be sure you will equip me for everything you ask me to do. Amen

Released on 19 Jul 2023