You may have heard of the father-and-son duo who call themselves Team Hoyt. Dick Hoyt and his son, Rick, compete together in marathons, triathlons, and other endurance events all over the country to promote their goal of "integrating the physically challenged into everyday life." The Hoyts are an embodiment of their purpose, since Rick was born without the ability to use his arms, legs, or voice. When Team Hoyt competes, Dick pushes Rick in a wheelchair, carries him on a bike, and tows him in a small boat while swimming.
Team Hoyt illustrates the concept of interdependent abilities. Without his dad's ability to run, bike and swim, the best Rick could hope for is watching from the sidelines. Without his son's ability to motivate and inspire, Dick would likely be little more than a middle-aged "also ran"--if he even bothered to compete at all.
The Bible contains similar dynamic duos. For example, God silenced Moses' excuses by providing him with a partner whose abilities complemented Moses' weaknesses:
But Moses pleaded with the Lord, "O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been, and I'm not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled."
...Then the Lord became angry with Moses. "All right," he said. "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well...He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say" (Exodus 4:10, 14, 16 NLT). Without Aaron, Moses was a less-than-articulate communicator; with Moses, Aaron had no notion of God's message of deliverance for the Israelites. They needed each other.
It's likely that your abilities are a perfect fit someone else's weaknesses. When it comes to ministry, none of us possess the "total package." Visionary leaders are often unable to organize details, powerful teachers often overlook individual needs, and compassionate nurturers are often unable to set boundaries. Someone else is depending on you to provide the abilities that they do not possess. Why not offer your abilities today? We can accomplish more together than any of us can accomplish on our own. |
Today's Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for providing everything that we need to serve you well. Help me to recognize the ways that others are depending on me and my abilities to serve you. Remind me to depend on the abilities of others as I serve you. Help our church work together to accomplish the tasks to which you have commissioned us.
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Lee Barnett serves as FBC's Minister of Worship. He loves to see the participants of FBC's Worship Ministry working together to glorify God.
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