When I was in the 5th grade, my Mom signed us up to volunteer for Christmas Unlimited. This organization collected toys for low-income families and foster parents. In the weeks leading up to the Christmas shop being open, the volunteers neatly arranged new toys on long shelves that took up the entire store. Each toy was worth a particular amount of points. When parents came into the shop, each was allotted a certain amount of points to spend for their family. After the Christmas shop opened up, as a volunteer, we walked the long isles with eager parents hoping to find the perfect toys, helped answer questions and then led them to the table where they neatly wrapped the gifts, sealed it with a bow and put them in large black garbage bag to take home.
Over the years, my Mom and I volunteered for various organizations, from soup kitchens to fundraising events and more. The first time we volunteered together for Christmas Unlimited is still etched in my mind as a favorite memory. Not only did I get to spend one-on-one time with my Mom, but we got to help people. Did I ever think I wasn’t qualified to help these people? Absolutely! At 11 years old, I didn’t know anything about helping other people or that other people needed to be helped. When you go into a volunteer situation, you don’t always know what will be expected of you. If I make a mistake, will I be asked not to return? God gives us all unique talents that he wants us to use to glorify Him.
As an adult, I have personally shied away from serving opportunities because I didn’t think I was qualified. But on occasion I have taken advantage of an opportunity to help even though I didn’t know how. Guess what? God used my willingness to help to propel me forward in knowledge. Every other year, our church frames a couple houses to be sent to areas that are affected by hurricanes, tornados or local housing efforts. I have zero carpentry skills, but I showed up and they had folks who instructed me on what to do. I could hammer a nail, and I could go grab more wood or supplies for our team. I couldn’t do this on my own, but God provided knowledgeable people to guide me.
How many stories have you read in the bible of God using people who didn’t know what they were doing and performed wonderful acts? In Exodus 3 God appeared to Moses and asked him to lead his people out of Egypt. Moses said, “Who am I that you should ask me to do this?” God’s response was “I will be with you!” Do you think Noah knew how to build an Ark? If you read Genesis 6, God gives Noah very specific instructions on how big to make the boat, what kind of wood to use, how many decks, how many rooms and a roof. God is always with us when we serve others.
Serving other people can really challenge our faith in God. In James 2:14-17, James writes,
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds, can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
I can have faith in God that he will provide for others, but he also calls us to help others when we see a need. Let me say that again, when we see others in need, we are called to help them. Serving others is an ACTION not an observation.
As I mentioned earlier, God has given each one of us talents. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul writes,
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
My husband has the talent of working on computers, my daughter has the talent of creating art and my son has the talent of building things with his hands. How can God use these talents for his glory? My husband can help an elderly couple set up their computer. My daughter can paint a picture to donate for a fundraising auction. My son can help build a ramp to help a disabled person get in and out of their house. God gave them those talents.
When you don’t feel like you’re qualified, or you don’t feel like your faith is strong enough, remind yourself that God calls us to ACTION in serving others. God has given each of us the skills to serve. Let your faith be bigger in what God can accomplish through you. Challenge yourself daily to serve God even in a small way.
