Have you ever felt unworthy of being used by God? Do your flaws or lack of qualifications make you think you’re not enough? Let’s take a closer look at the 12 disciples Jesus chose and see why God’s calling has nothing to do with perfection—and everything to do with willingness.

Jesus Prayed First: A Lesson for Us

Before making the critical decision of choosing His 12 disciples, Jesus spent an entire night in prayer. He was fully God and fully man, yet He sought God’s guidance with intensity and intention. This is a powerful reminder: we must seek God in prayer before making big decisions. How often do we act first and pray later? Jesus’ example shows us that true wisdom begins with God.

When we seek God before making decisions, we invite His guidance, peace, and direction into our lives. Skipping this step often leads to regret, confusion, and missed opportunities for His best. Prayer is not just preparation; it’s the foundation for every important step we take.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose

The 12 men Jesus chose weren’t the elite or the religious scholars. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots. They were flawed individuals with messy pasts, yet they became the foundation of the Church. Here’s what’s remarkable:

  • Peter and Andrew: Blue-collar fishermen who left everything to follow Jesus.
  • James and John: Nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” for their fiery tempers. They once asked Jesus if they could call down fire on a village!
  • Matthew: A tax collector, despised by his own people for working with the Roman oppressors.
  • Simon the Zealot: A political revolutionary who hated Rome.

And then there was Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus. Yet, Jesus knew all their flaws and called them anyway.

This teaches us a profound truth: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He doesn’t look for perfect resumes—He looks for willing hearts. He saw the potential in these men, not just their shortcomings. And He sees the same in you.

Being a Disciple vs. Being a Christian

Many people identify as Christians, but fewer live as disciples. What’s the difference? A disciple doesn’t just believe in Jesus; they follow Him with their lives. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Loving others is the ultimate evidence of discipleship.

But Jesus takes it further. Loving those who love us is easy. True discipleship means loving the difficult people in our lives—the ones who frustrate us, hurt us, or test our patience. Why? Because that’s the kind of radical love that sets Jesus’ followers apart.

It’s also about stepping out of the crowd and into commitment. A disciple isn’t content with passively sitting on the sidelines. They pursue Jesus wholeheartedly and actively live out His teachings. This level of devotion is what transforms lives—and the world.

Why Your Love Matters

The Apostle Paul famously wrote, “If I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Love is the core of our faith. It’s not about how much we give, how often we pray, or how well we sing in church. It’s about how we treat others—especially those who are hard to love.

Think about the “sandpaper people” in your life—the ones who rub you the wrong way. What if God placed them there to shape you and make you more like Jesus? Instead of avoiding them, ask God to help you love them. You might be surprised at how He transforms your heart.

Loving others isn’t optional for disciples—it’s essential. It’s the clearest way to show the world who Jesus is. People aren’t drawn to Jesus because of how much knowledge we have or how often we go to church. They’re drawn by the love we show, especially when it’s unexpected.

God’s Power in Our Weakness

One of the most comforting truths about following Jesus is that He doesn’t expect us to be perfect. In fact, He often works through our weaknesses to display His power. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

The disciples weren’t chosen for their abilities but for their willingness. They were ordinary men with extraordinary availability. God loves to use the least likely people to accomplish His purposes so that the credit belongs to Him alone. This means your flaws, fears, and failures don’t disqualify you—they’re opportunities for God to show His strength.

How to Step Into God’s Calling

If you want to be used by God, start by making yourself available. The disciples dropped everything to follow Jesus. They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t make excuses. They simply said yes. Here’s how you can follow their example:

  1. Pray Before Acting: Seek God’s guidance in every decision, big or small. When you pause to pray, you allow His wisdom to shape your path.
  2. Say Yes to God’s Call: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Trust that God will equip you as you go. Obedience often precedes understanding.
  3. Love Radically: Show love to everyone, even the ones who are hard to love. This kind of love reflects Jesus more than any words ever could.
  4. Embrace Community: Surround yourself with other disciples who can encourage you, hold you accountable, and help you grow in your faith.

You Are Called, Too

Jesus didn’t stop calling disciples 2,000 years ago. He’s still calling people today—ordinary people like you and me. You might feel unworthy or unqualified, but remember: the same Holy Spirit that empowered the disciples lives in you. God sees your potential, not just your past. He’s calling you to step out of your comfort zone and into a life of purpose.

This isn’t just about serving in the church or taking on a formal ministry role. It’s about being a disciple in your everyday life—at work, in your family, and in your community. Wherever you are, God wants to use you.

The Challenge for This Week

This week, I challenge you to do two things:

  1. Reflect on what it truly means to be a disciple. Are there areas in your life where you can step it up? Maybe it’s in your prayer life, your willingness to serve, or your ability to love difficult people.
  2. Pray for God to help you love the hard-to-love people in your life. Ask Him to soften your heart and show you how to extend grace.

These steps may feel small, but they can lead to incredible transformation. Remember, God doesn’t call perfect people—He calls available people. Will you answer His call?

Conclusion

The disciples weren’t perfect, and neither are we. But God doesn’t expect perfection—He looks for faithfulness. He sees who you are, but more importantly, He sees who you can become. If you make yourself available to Him, He can use you to do extraordinary things.

Take heart: the same God who chose fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots to change the world is calling you. Are you ready to step into His purpose for your life?

Teresa Breeding
Latest posts by Teresa Breeding (see all)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *