A Note from DT

My thoughts this week:

A major theme that I’ve spoken and written about in this season has been “the Table in the Wilderness”.  This concept taken from Ps 23 of the valley of the shadow and of the table in the presence of the enemy are very much a declaration that we are never to let fear keep us from following the Lord. Truly, fear is the primary weapon the enemy uses to keep people from walking in the fulness of what God has for them.  This week as I was sitting on my back porch I began to think of something else that seems to keep people from coming to eat at the table of the Good Shepherd…a sense of unworthiness. Shame, guilt, condemnation, call it what you will but all of these forms of unworthiness seems to be major factors that cause people to self-disqualify themselves from the good things which God is desiring to give them. The key is not to be in denial that these feelings exist, but to realize that they don’t actually come from God.  Just think about the many Biblical stories where God introduces Himself to someone who immediately tries to explain why they are not worthy for what He is calling them to do: 

Moses – “I can’t speak well” (Exodus 4:10)

Jeremiah – “I can’t speak well, and I’m too young” (Jeremiah 1:6)

Isaiah – “I’m lost, I’ve got unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5)

Gideon – “I’m the least in my family” (Judges 6:15)

Peter – “I’ve got a dirty mouth” (Luke 5:8)

All of these people seemed to have something in common; they felt an immediate need to explain to the Creator that He had certainly made a mistake in calling them because they are not who He thinks that they are and they are not capable of doing what He is calling them to do.  It seems to be the fallen human condition that all of these feelings of shame and unworthiness seem to instantly surface when God is calling someone into their destiny.  Our Father invites us into our inheritance and we immediately feel rejection. It seems so odd but this is why it we must have our minds renewed. Yes, it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4) and repentance is defined as ‘turning’ and ‘changing our mind’.   So, when we find ourselves sensing the inspiration of God’s voice followed by a feeling of unworthiness, we can take the thought captive and realize that God is wanting to displace our heart of self-disqualification and replace it with HIs divine acceptance. After all, a primary role of the Holy Spirit is to bear witness with our own spirit that we have full acceptance as children of God (Rom 8:16).  The truth is that nothing can separate us from the love of God…each of us has been included.  You have been qualified. Come to the Table. 

-DT

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