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Reflection #8: Start Before You’re Ready (Wednesday, March 28)

God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called. You can wait forever before you’re ready to reach out to others. Be a light today!


Mark 6:7–13 (NIV) — 7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. 8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. 9 Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. 10 Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. 11 And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.


Mark 4:21–25 (NIV) — 21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” 24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”


1. Read Mark 6:7-13.  Do you think the disciples were “ready” to be sent out at this point?  What light do the following verses shed on their readiness:  Mark 6:35-37, 47-52; 7:17-18; 8:14-21, 32?

2. It is important that we be in the process of increasing and improving our motivation, becoming more like Christ in our lifestyle, and being trained to minister and reach out to others.  However, unless there are glaring inconsistencies in our lives or profound doctrinal misunderstandings, it is vital that we go ahead and begin reaching out to others right now, before we feel ready!  Do you think there is any possibility a person could feel ready to begin reaching out to others before he has ever had any experience reaching out to others?

3. Read Mark 4:21-25.  Jesus is “lighting a lamp” in the hearts of his disciples.  Does he intend for that light to be hidden or revealed?  How would this happen?  In v. 24 he mentions the subject of hearing.  According to this verse, what is the key to hearing and receiving more of the word (that is, understanding more of it)?  Agree or disagree:  being involved in trying to influence others toward Christ will lead to God helping you understand better how to influence others toward Christ.

4. What are some things that are clear to you right now about reaching out to others and influencing them toward Christ?  Are you doing this?

5. PRACTICAL APPLICATION:  Find a way (plan, schedule, be alert, or whatever) to do something today or tomorrow to practice what you stated in #4. 


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