Today, I had a wonderful conversation with a dear freind. We talked about faith. Faith as you would have it is confidence---confidence in God and His Word. On the flip side is "self-doubt." The reason we got to talking about faith is because she was doubting herself a bit. She asked me if it was possible to do a job even if she did not have the credentials to do so. I simply asked her if she was confident that she could do the job. She said, "yes, I feel prepared!" PREPARED?, I asked, quisitively? She said, "Yes", "Prepared."

WE both agreed that many people lack confidence simply because they are not prepared. I ask, "Can you really think of anyone who is an expert at something who does not practice and prepare?" I cannot really think of anyone. I then ask myself, what makes someone an expert? Is it years of education? Is it a credential? So what makes one qualified? I will simply say that sometimes "credentials" are not always what qualifies one to be an expert. In fact, if you look at some of the disciples Jesus chose, you will quickly see that God does not always or even, "usually," call those who seem to be qualified. The Bible says that He purposely chooses the weak and the foolish of the world in order to confound the wise (1Corinthians 1:26-29).

God prepares each of us in whatever way He chooses. It may not be formal training, but He will use everything in your life to train you, IF, you are willing to be trained. Unfortunately, some of us want it so bad that we are impatient to go through the preparation that is necessary to equip us for the job. How sad is this?

So, here is the breakdown: Each of us is given a gift from God. Our job is to keep asking God what it is that we are called to do. Once we begin to realize, we need to prepare. You must let everything you go through, prepare you for what is ahead. It is important to understand that preparation for what God wants us to do does not need to be formal or conventional. Don't try to rush and don't despise the days of small beginnings. Enjoy every step of the way, and if you confidently step out and do your part, God will surround you with people who have gifts and abilities that you do not have. Stay in faith. Have confidence. Those who don't have confidence quite often are the ones who cannot receive help from other people. They are too busy making comparisons to receive the help God has sent them. Don't be resentful and remember, those who cannot do everything, usually do not do anything! And last, but certainly not least, make sure that whatever you are trying to do is something you are really meant to do and not just something you want to do to impress people.

There you have it...........my deep conversation with one of my girlfriends earlier today. Have a wonderful night. Dream big tonight!