The Search for Excellence
Today’s Verse:
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. ~2 Chronicles 16:9a
Executive recruiters specialize in looking for highly-competent and experienced professionals to fill positions in major corporations that are in need of CEOs, COOs, presidents, vice presidents, and other specialized corporate capacities. They look “to and fro” for the right candidate. Our devotion this morning tells us that God is in a spiritual leadership search throughout the earth for a certain kind of men to whom He can “shew himself strong.” Let us see if you are the kind of person that fits the criteria as a key person God can use.
We see the rarity.
As we read this verse, we realize that the kind of man God is looking for is uncommon and unique. He will not be someone who attained notoriety in corporate and financial articles or books as a successful entrepreneur or leader. He will not be someone that, in the eyes of most men, is hands-down successful. He is not someone who comes from a lineage of successful businessmen. No, the kind of man God is looking for is rare and scarce.
We see the reduced.
God is looking for a man to whom He can show Himself strong. In other words, God is looking for a man who is weak, without strength, perhaps disabled, and even someone everyone has written off. He is a reduced man. He is a man who knows he has limitations and has to rely on God for his needs. He is little in his eyes. He is a man who knows that without God, there is nothing he can do.
We see the resolved.
God said He is looking for a man whose heart is perfect towards Him. This man is resolved that he needs God. He is surrendered in his resolve. He has been proven in his resolve. He is satisfied in Jesus in his resolve. He is a man who wants Jesus to use him. He is steadfast in heart that he is available for God to use him.
We see the rested.
The word “perfect” means “to be safe, peaceful, complete, full, and rested.” It is the Hebrew word “shalem,” where we get the word “peace” from. When we look at this word “perfect,” we realize he is a man of faith, courage, commitment, and faithfulness. God wants to empower men who rest completely in Him for strength, power, and capability. He is a man that knows he cannot and should not be involved in any endeavor unless he has God’s power. He is settled in the fact that he can fully trust God for His power. Henry Varley told D.L. Moody, “The world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly committed to him.” This is a rested man.
We see the reinforcement.
God wants a man He can completely empower, use, and work through. God is more attracted to our weaknesses than to our strengths. God wants men who will let Him demonstrate His power through them. This explains how God used a Moses, an Ehud, a Gideon, a Shamgar, an Elijah, an Elisha, a David, a Daniel, a Peter, and a Paul. Unless God can show Himself strong on our behalf, we are not usable. Can God show Himself strong in your life?
Have an enabled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Corinthians 12-14