Have you ever been job hunting and while reading over the job ad, you read down the list of required skills and think, “I got this! I’m qualified!”
You’re excited, somewhat relieved, and eager to begin the application process. Then something else catches your eye. As you read down a little further down, you see these words:
“experience required”
Immediately disqualified because you simply don’t have that experience under your belt. No application need be filled out and your job search goes on.
It’s been said God’s economy is backwards. He requires experience too, but it looks a bit different.
God uses our experiences to shape us and prepare us for a specific “job” given only by Him.
As we experience the ebb and flow of life, with its mountain and valley experiences, if we allow Him, He will use all the experiences for His glory.
Rejected? Abused? Misunderstood?
He can use each experience. We’re never disqualified because of it. No, God uses even the most horrific events of life to propel us into a position where He can use us. Our less than ideal experiences can set us up for success in the Kingdom.
I know, isn’t it crazy and backwards! To God be the glory!
Recently, I’ve seen this displayed in my own life. What happened yesterday isn’t always a stumbling block when given to God. He uses the ugly stuff to groom us for success in His Kingdom.
•David was left out in the field when a king was being sought out. Yet still, God made him King over the land.
•Joseph was sold, lied on, jailed and forgotten. Yet still, God promoted him and made him second only to Pharaoh.
•Paul had a whole resume of hardships and trials he endured. Yet still, God used him to write a majority of the New Testament.
We know the scripture about God working all things together for our good, right? The good stuff and the ugly, don’t want to talk about it stuff.
The big two-letter word IF is the kicker. If we don’t get bitter. If we don’t allow anger to consume us. If we continue to look to God and trust His work and promises.
Genesis 50:20 says, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day…”
God can use the stuff we think may disqualify us to make us strong in places that will make a difference for Him.
How awesome is it to know our rejection experiences can qualify is to help someone else through. What a different perspective we can have knowing that God can use moments of loss or failure to make us shine out a beacon of hope for someone else who finds themselves in dark times.
I guess what I’m saying is it’s easy to become disheartened by our “bad” experiences if we look at them through this world’s glasses. However, from God’s vantage point, we are simply being schooled and gaining the needed experience required for success.
So, what required experience has made you a “most likely” candidate for God’s job opening?
Be encouraged ~