“God has chosen and used nobodies, because their unusual dependence on Him made possible the unique display of His power and grace.  He chose and used somebody’s only when they renounced dependence on their natural abilities and resources.”    – Oswald Chambers –                                                                      

            When I read the quote above, I think about Timothy.  Timothy was a disciple of the apostle Paul, joining him during his second missionary journey and traveling with him for nearly twenty years.  Paul and Timothy ministered in many difficult situations where the gospel of Jesus Christ came under attack.  As a result of their faithfulness to it, they themselves were attacked.  Persecution was a constant companion.  Paul loved Timothy like a son and as he wrote 2 Timothy, his last letter before his death, he wanted to encourage Timothy and also provide instructions to him.  This was Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome, he knew death was imminent and he wanted to ensure that the gospel, what he referred to as the “good deposit” be preserved in its purest form, that it not be corrupted by false teachers.  Preparing to die, it was Timothy that Paul most trusted to faithfully carry on this ministry.  So what is it about the quote above that has to do with Timothy?  Well, by all accounts, aside from being younger than many in which he ministered, Timothy was somewhat timid and unsure of himself.  Certainly not the strong, charismatic personality we would envision leading a movement.  Not the next guy in line you would think of to take the reins from Paul. 

            But that’s just the point.  This was not just any other movement; this is the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It comes only by God’s power and always by His grace.  Paul knew that.  He knew that it wouldn’t be Timothy’s personality that made the difference.  Timothy’s name means “one who honors God” and he did that.  Though he had faced some difficult times in ministry and at points needed encouraging, Timothy had the characteristics for God’s power to be displayed fully, most notably; a submissive heart toward God’s leading.  Do you?  Our ministries are always by His power and grace and never about personality or charisma.  Will you in your ministry rely on the Giver of your spiritual gift?  Will you give up your best you that His power and grace might be fully displayed?  Will you be His nobody?

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” 1 Corinthians 1:27

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me…for when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10