Growing up I would look at other people and how gifted they were, whether it was their singing, speaking, or artistic abilities, and wish I was gifted like that. It’s easy to compare someone’s gifts or journey to your own. It’s our human nature. I didn’t think God uses the unqualified.

Throughout my life, I was a quiet child, and I grew up in church. There was always a lesson or sermon that talked about sharing your faith and how to lead someone to Christ. The thought of doing that always scared me, because I didn’t think I was qualified or gifted in that way. I always thought that if I tried, then I would get denied, laughed at, or fail miserably. I never considered myself a leader and was always one to hide in the background.

It’s always easiest that way. I would be present, but I would never fully commit.

Fast forward years later, I began to grow an interest in getting physically fit. I had no idea where to begin. I knew my stepmom was a personal trainer, so I reached out to her, and she was there to teach me the basics. I knew absolutely NOTHING when it came to working out. She was there to guide me and teach me what I needed to know to go out on my own.

As a month or two went by, I began to feel more comfortable in going to the gym on my own and would even experiment with new exercises. My confidence in working out only grew. I realized that with practice and dedication, I was actually pretty good at it.

3 years passed, and I decided I wanted to make working out a part of my career. I decided to get certified to become a personal trainer. I got my certification months later, and then the time came for me to teach my FIRST group fitness workout class. I remembered the girl I was when I was just getting started and knowing nothing about working out, and I wanted to be that leader for someone else. And I reminded myself: God uses the unqualified!

I will say though, studying and passing a test was the easy part; using what I studied and actually teaching a class full of strangers was far more terrifying. As I got into the habit of teaching group fitness classes every week, I began to feel more comfortable and build relationships with the people in my class. This was a blessing, because like I said, I NEVER saw myself as a leader.

I was living in a new location at the time, and really needed a Bible study or some way to get connected to other women. I really struggled with finding my place. Time went by, and I was invited to the women’s retreat here at FBCA. I was challenged by God to start my OWN bible study group. I came to the retreat asking God to lead me to a group of women to join back home, but instead he told me that I should be the one to start it. The thought of this TERRIFIED me.

I remember just praying, “Lord, I am not a leader, and I am not a bible scholar. How am I qualified to do this?”

Well, I decided to take that jump and start a Bible study, even though I had no idea what would come of it.

During my group fitness classes, I began to build relationships with the women I taught. The Lord led me to those women, and I presented them with the idea of a Bible study I was starting. My act of faith led to a year of Bible study before and during covid.

We began meeting in each other’s homes, but then turned to skype once Covid-19 hit. I had some days when I had no idea what to talk about at the Bible study, but I realized that sometimes God just had me there to pray for them and fellowship with one another. I still look back and am blown away that God chose me to lead a Bible study, when I was convinced, I was not gifted to lead.

I hope my story can be a reminder to you that you don’t have to be an amazing singer, speaker, bible scholar, or whatever, to have purpose in life. You don’t have to be a pro in any of these things to be qualified enough to tell people about Jesus. I am living proof that God uses the unqualified. This is something I still remind myself of to this day, but God never disappoints me. He WILL provide you with what you need to succeed. He will give you what you need in order to bring Him glory. God has purpose for your life, even if you don’t see it now.

I encourage you ask God for guidance. Ask him how he can use you, and what next steps to take. He may use you in a way that you never imagined. God made us all for a purpose, so I hope you trust God with that purpose and take that first step.

God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies those he calls.