Your Best Ability Is Your Availability

One of the most overlooked abilities you possess in life is simply showing up, whether you feel like it or not, or whether it’s expected or not. See, “showing up" is often half the battle because when you combine that commitment with preparation and perseverance, the potential for success increases exponentially.

Think of it this way: your best ability is your availability, and that mindset is blessed by God. To help put this into perspective, consider the disciples after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, which they did not fully understand at first. Although they were confused and somewhat fearful, the disciples went where Jesus had told them to be. Matthew 28:16-17 says, "The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.”
Notice that the disciples showed up even before they fully understood the whole picture. Often, obedience comes before clarity, and faith is needed to gain a greater focus beyond adverse circumstances.

Also note that the disciples went where Jesus told them—and when they saw Him, they worshiped, even with some doubt. This statement speaks of the integrity within the Scripture's presentation of itself. The doubt mentioned represents two important reminders: First, the Bible does not embellish the record of this amazing and unprecedented event of the resurrection, just as it didn't at the birth of Christ. There will always be some who doubt for various reasons, such as personal spiritual battles or just the overwhelming feelings within.

However, some most likely had doubts similar to that of Thomas, who was so brokenhearted after the death of Jesus that he didn't want to be disappointed if the disciples' news that our Lord had risen wasn't true. But Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, restored his faith just like He does here with the rest of the disciples, and will do with each of us if needed. The key then is to remember, God isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for available ones. You don’t have to have it all together—you just have to show up and take steps of faith, which include trust and obedience.
If the disciples had given in to their fears or insecurities, they would have never received the Great Commission assignment, and we might be having a very different conversation today. Nevertheless, in His endless mercy, God arranged for this meeting, giving the disciples an opportunity to exercise their faith and to respond to Jesus’ call.

I believe the Lord is still directing His people today. However, remember that in order to go where Jesus calls you, you may need to leave behind a certain mindset, a place, or even counterproductive relationships. Old habits, especially negative ones, do not die easily, and our fears and insecurities often try to hold us back. Do everyone a favor and don’t let those things define you. Instead, understand that your greatest ability is your availability.