The Bible is replete with instances where God equips those He has called to fulfill His divine purposes. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating God's faithfulness in providing the necessary tools, wisdom, and strength to those He commissions for His work. The idea that God equips those He calls is not just an abstract theological concept but a tangible reality experienced by numerous biblical figures.
One of the most compelling examples is found in the story of Moses. In Exodus 3, God calls Moses from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, feeling inadequate and fearful, questions his own ability to carry out such a monumental task. God reassures him in Exodus 4:12, saying, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Here, God promises to equip Moses with the necessary words and wisdom to confront Pharaoh and lead His people.
Another profound example is Gideon, found in Judges 6. Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon, much like Moses, doubts his own capabilities, saying in Judges 6:15, "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." God responds in Judges 6:16, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive." God equips Gideon not only with the promise of His presence but also with the strategic wisdom and courage needed to accomplish the task.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks extensively about God's equipping power. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes, "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." This passage underscores that God provides specific roles and gifts within the church to equip believers for service, ensuring that the community of faith is prepared and strengthened for its mission.
Paul's own life is a testament to this principle. In 1 Timothy 1:12, Paul reflects on his calling and equipping: "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service." Despite his past as a persecutor of Christians, Paul acknowledges that it is Christ who has equipped him with the strength and trustworthiness necessary for his apostolic mission.
The concept of God equipping those He calls is also vividly illustrated in the life of the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 1:5-9, God calls Jeremiah and reassures him of His divine equipping: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah responds with trepidation, citing his youth and inexperience, but God assures him, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you." Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched Jeremiah's mouth and said to him, "I have put my words in your mouth."
In addition to these specific examples, the Bible contains numerous verses that speak to the general principle of God equipping His people. Philippians 4:13 is a well-known verse that encapsulates this idea: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This verse, often cited for encouragement, reflects the broader biblical theme that God provides the strength and resources necessary for believers to accomplish His will.
Hebrews 13:20-21 offers a beautiful benediction that emphasizes God's equipping power: "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." This passage not only reassures believers of God's provision but also connects this equipping to the ultimate work of Jesus Christ, underscoring that it is through Him that believers are made ready for every good work.
The writings of Christian literature also affirm this biblical principle. In "The Pursuit of God," A.W. Tozer writes about the sufficiency of God in equipping His people: "God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible—what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." Tozer's reflection echoes the biblical narrative that God often calls individuals to tasks that seem impossible by human standards, only to equip them in ways that reveal His power and glory.
Similarly, Oswald Chambers in "My Utmost for His Highest" emphasizes the importance of relying on God's equipping: "God does not call those who are equipped, He equips those whom He has called." Chambers' statement captures the essence of the biblical testimony that God's calling is accompanied by His provision, enabling believers to fulfill their divine assignments.
In summary, the Bible consistently testifies to the truth that God equips those He has called. From the stories of Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah to the teachings of Paul and the affirmations found in Christian literature, we see a God who not only calls individuals to His service but also provides them with the necessary tools, wisdom, and strength to accomplish His purposes. This divine equipping is a source of great encouragement and assurance for believers, reminding us that we are never alone in the tasks God sets before us. Through His presence and provision, we are made capable of fulfilling His will, bringing glory to His name and advancing His kingdom on earth.
