It's about the craftsman, not the tools

Phil is a first-class handyman. There is no task too menial, too large, too cumbersome or too complex for him to tackle. With his home-made, canvas tool belt tied around his middle, he tackles any aspect of home or vehicle or appliance repair, from plumbing, carpentry, and repairing broken windows to tuning lawn mower engines and changing the oil in the family car. There’s only one problem, a problem that only he sees: He never has the right tools. Whatever the project, he stops half way through and walks away in disgust muttering, I can’t do this; I don’t have the right tools. Inevitably he returns, attacks the project with renewed fervor using something he contrived in his workshop, and completes the job.

                Ill-equipped, incompetent, unprepared, and inadequate, are words the enemy uses to instill fear, discomfort and a sense of defeat in all of us. We question our ability, our knowledge and strength to do the job. We wonder if we really are called to serve in a specific place, or if our passion for a particular project is misplaced. We hesitate when opportunities face us and we question the appropriateness of our actions when we move ahead.

God doesn’t ask us to provide the right tools, or the best education, or depth of knowledge or worldly know-how before sending us out to do his work. What he asks is that we make ourselves available to him. [Romans 12:1] He is able to do more with our availability than with our ability. We are the tool he wants to use to accomplish his work.

This childhood song confirms the truth of scripture,  - that God uses committed people regardless of what they have to offer, to accomplish his mighty works.      

Shamgar had an oxgoad (1)

David had a sling (2)

Dorcas had a needle (3)

Rahab had some string (4)

Samson had a jawbone (5)

Aaron had a rod (6)

Mary had some ointment (7)

And they all were used by God.

For further study:

(1)     Judges 3:31; (2) I. Sam. 17:49; (3) Acts 9:36; (4) Joshua 2:15;

(5) Judges 15:15; (6) Ex. 7:9-12; (7) John 12:3