Ability vs. Availability

I help coach my son's Sixth Grade football team, the Gators.  We are having a blast together this year.  At practice tonight, our coach, Todd Vestal, was talking to the players at the end of practice and he shared something so simple, yet profound.  Todd said, "God does not need our ability.  God needs our availability."  I have heard this phrase before, but tonight, it struck me to the core.

What does this mean that "God does not need my ability?"  Let us take a look what I have to offer the Lord.  Come on, now?  Look at all the things I do for you God?  I have a daily quiet time, pray with my kids and lead by the best example I can, I even wash the dishes after dinner, sometimes!  I even work at a church and have surrendered my life to You in ministry.  Aren't you proud of me?  Look at me, God! 

WOW, is this ever a HUGE misconception in the Christian life.  God does not need me.  Let me say that again.  GOD DOES NOT NEED ME!  All he needs for me to do is to be available to Him and allow Him to work anything and everything He desires through my life.  This is not accomplished by my ability, but only through my availability.

Matthew 16:24-26 says it like this.  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.  What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

What a concept.  To rely totally on Jesus and not ourselves to find truth and purpose.  Such a RADICAL concept, especially in the culture we live in today.  So, realize that God loves you just the way you are and desires to have your availability, not your ability.  Die to who you are and live for Christ today.