The Called

Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took her boy to a Paderewski
concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the
aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose
and eventually explored his way through a door marked “NO ADMITTANCE.”
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat
and discovered that her son was missing.
Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In
astonishment, the mother saw her little boy was sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly
moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”
Then, leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part.
Soon, his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added an instrumental part
that was integral to the piece of music. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a
frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was so mesmerized that
they couldn’t recall what else the great master played – only the classic “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
Understanding that God calls and equips us doesn’t mean that everything will be smooth sailing. We’ll
continue to pursue autonomy and self-glory, and will often believe we’re self-sufficient and in control.
We must constantly remind ourselves that these things are not reality. Autonomy and self-sufficiency
are lies saying that we can do all things on our own. In reality, we are created beings—we need God
to preserve us and give us life. All glory goes to God who creates and sustains us.
That’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our
best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our
life’s work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You
can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit. Keep playing.”
You may have heard the saying, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” The phrase
“God equips the called” signifies that when God calls someone to a specific purpose or task, He also
provides the necessary resources, skills, and abilities to fulfill that calling, rather than calling only
those already equipped.
While this is not a verse in the Bible, it is a theme that runs throughout it. God called Moses to lead
the Israelites out of Egypt, despite his initial reluctance and lack of perceived qualifications. God
called Gideon to lead the Israelites against the Midianites, despite his initial fear and lack of military
experience. God called Paul to be an apostle, despite his previous persecution of Christians.
It highlights God’s sovereignty and His ability to use anyone, regardless of their perceived
limitations. It encourages humility, recognizing that our abilities are gifts from God, not our own
achievements. It emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s power and provision, rather than
our own strengths.
Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are there helping you turn your feeble
attempts into true masterpieces. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called, and He’ll
always be there to love and guide you on to great things.
He gives us his Word, His Spirit, and his people. The journey He calls each of us to—be it church
planting, ministry leadership, parenting, work, suffering, or a combination of those things—is for our
good, the good of those around us, and His glory. Our gracious God will go with us. When He calls
us, He equips us.
Now may the God of peace…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. Hebrews 13:20-21