Our Abilities

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Recently I heard a little saying - One ability God needs from us is our availability. My high school affection for vocabulary kicked in and within seconds two other words ending in ability came to my mind - capability and accountability. Recognizing a devotional application, I began thinking and looking for verses in the Bible to connect these words.

Availability - Being available requires the ability to prioritize. If we were to write down the itinerary for our day at the end of the day, how much of our day was spent on useful tasks? Availability means to be of use, of worth, to benefit. Romans 12:1 tells us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. When we present ourselves to someone, we become available to them.

Capability - Having the qualities necessary to accomplish a task. We all have physical abilities as well as spiritual gifts. Can you identify yours? Are you using them for others? Ephesians 2:10 says, We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God created us with capabilities for good work before we came to know Him, so that when we accepted Him, we could accomplish those good works.

Accountability - Subjecting ourselves to giving a report or reason. I do not know of one person who loves to answer to someone for their behavior. I do know people who have allowed themselves to be obedient and vulnerable in the area of accountability, and they have found blessing. In II Chronicles 19 Jehoshaphat appointed judges and told them to act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart. Verse 11 of that chapter ends with, Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good.

God can use our abilities! But, we must act. Make yourself available to do His work. Identify your capabilities and put them to good work. Allow yourself to be transparent with someone, be faithful and loyal. The Lord will be with the good! Where do we find the strength to accomplish these abilities? Through Christ who strengthens us!

Lord, what a blessing it is to know we have your strength to use our abilities and accomplish good work for You. Keep us aware of the work You have for us to do.

Janet Stutzman