ABILITY VERSES AVAILABILITY

Recently, I was challenged to ponder the difference between ability and availability as it applies to Christians. The dictionary’s definition for ability is talent, skill, artistry, expertise, aptitude, mastery, competence, proficiency, dexterity, smartness, qualifications, resources, and know-how. Availability means to be at someone’s disposal. Interestingly, we can have all the talent in the world, but if we are not available to God for Him to use our talents and giftings, then how can those talents and giftings benefit others and increase His kingdom?

Noah made himself available when God told him to build the ark. He never asked a question. He simply listened to God’s detailed instructions “…and Noah did all that the Lord commanded him” (Genesis 7:5).

Jonah had all ability, yet he refused to be available to God and obey His command to go and preach to the very wicked city of Nineveh. Instead, he decided to sail for Joppa, but on the way, a raging storm tossed the boat back and forth. Jonah knew the storm was the result of his disobedience and told the men to throw him overboard. They did and Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Inside of the whale’s belly, Jonah repented for his disobedience, and the whale spit him onto the shores of Nineveh where he then preached.

Abraham said yes when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. And because he said yes, God spared Isaac. God is always looking for our yes. He wants us to trust Him, even when He asks us to do very difficult things that defy logic.

The Lord asked the Prophet Isaiah, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah quickly responded to the Lord, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8, KJV)

When God appeared to Jacob in a dream, Jacob answered, “Here I am.” He followed God’s instructions and left Laban, who was a liar and trickster, and began what would become the nation of Israel (Genesis 31:11).

When Moses heard God call to him from the burning bush, he responded, “Here I am.” (Exodus 3:4). Because of Moses’ availability and obedience to God, he led the Jewish people out of Egypt to freedom.

The Lord called to the child, Samuel, while he was living with Eli, a Jewish priest in the day of Old Testament judges. Samuel answered, Here I am, believing that Eli was calling him. Eli then told Samuel it was God and to go back to bed and listen again. Samuel would respond to God and deliver a difficult message to Eli. Eventually, Samuel would anoint both Saul and David, the first kings of Israel (I Samuel 3:4).

The New Testament records Ananias responding to God with “Here I am.” He was then told to communicate the truth about Jesus to Saul (a man who tortured and killed Christians) (Acts 9:10). Although Ananias was very afraid of Saul (Paul), he made himself available to God and obeyed His command to go to Saul and lay hands on him, thus, making Saul a part of the body of Christ.

An angel came to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:28). Mary did not fully understand all that the angel told her; however, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NIV). Mary’s yes made her available to the perfect will of God, even though she must have had many unanswered questions in her heart.

The apostles were an intriguing display of availability when Jesus called them to follow Him. All these men were busily engaged with their jobs, but they quickly left their life’s work and even their families to follow Him.

God confers spiritual gifts on each member of His Church who are led by the Holy Spirit, to be used for the good of the Church and humanity. If we are physically able then we should be available to the Lord and use the gift within. “…if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:6 ESV).

There are also gifts of compassion, reconciliation, sacrificial service to others, charity, help, and encouragement. Maybe you have a natural propensity to encourage others. That is a wonderful gift that should be used when you know that someone is hurting and needs a word of encouragement or comfort.

There is a difference between gifts and talent. Regardless of a person’s beliefs, a natural talent is an inclination towards such things as music, art, writing, math, science, and education. However, the Bible makes it clear that all gifts and talents are to be used to bring blessing and help to others (I Corinthians 12:7). As an example, I have a friend who is a gifted seamstress. During the Covid Pandemic, she made hundreds of masks to be given to those in need. She also sews special pillows for people who are sick or who have lost a loved one. And I have benefited from her beautiful one-of-a-kind cards she makes to cheer and encourage others.

Maybe your gift is being a good listener. There are so many lonely people who have no one who will take the time to talk with them. The smallest act of love and concern goes a very long way to bring joy to their day. It certainly did for 82-year-old Daniel Peterson, a recent widower who was grieving the loss of his wife.

Mr. Peterson was shopping for groceries, when four-year-old Nora Wood, said aloud, "Hi, old person! It's my birthday today!" She wanted to be available to him and insisted on giving him a hug and having her picture taken with him. Thus began a weekly friendship that forever changed the life of Peterson. He said that since Nora came into his life, he was finally sleeping soundly for the first time in months. This sweet child’s empathy, love, and compassion for this dear man forever changed both of their lives.

God uses anyone, small or great, child or adult, who avails themselves to God’s plans. God knew the loneliness and sadness within this man’s grieving heart, so He provided the needed healing balm through the love of one small child.

We all have been given gifts and abilities, but are we making them available to God for His purposes? Are we willing to say, “Yes, here I am. Send me!”

PRAYER: FATHER, thank you for the gifts and talents that You have given me. Help me to be aware of those who would benefit from what You have placed within me. And help me to always be fearless and available to Your will, guidance, and direction. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Picture courtesy of closeup-support-hands. jpc from freepik.com