There’s this phrase you’ve probably heard if you’ve been around church long enough: “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” And yeah—I’ve shouted it down. But lately, I’ve been thinking: Have we taken that phrase and turned it into a passive excuse. As if God’s qualification is automatic. As if calling is the same thing as completion.
But it’s not.
Yes, God qualifies. Only God can qualify. But He doesn’t override your obedience. He partners with it. He’ll equip you for what He’s called you to—but you still have to show up. You still have to prepare. Still have to dig deep. Still have to surrender.
Moses? Not qualified. Speech issues. Fear. Imposter syndrome. Still had to walk back into Egypt. But he still had to face Pharaoh. Still had to lift the staff. Still had to walk into the Red Sea.
David? Not qualified. Just a shepherd with a slingshot. But he still had to pick up the stones. Still had to step into the valley. Still had to swing.
Paul? Not qualified. Persecutor of Christians. Still had to rebuild his entire life from the ground up and endure prison, beatings, and rejection.
God qualified them, yes. But they still had to show up.
Here’s the truth:
God calls. God qualifies. But you still have to co-labor. Calling is not a bypass for disciple. It’s not a hall pass to skip the wilderness. It’s not an excuse to avoid responsibility and stewardship while waiting on God to do His thing.
You don’t drift into spiritual maturity. You don’t stumble into fruitfulness.
You train. You grow. You prepare. You respond.
Because faith without works is dead. And calling without discipline is just potential.
So… what are you doing with what God’s placed on your life? You may not feel qualified. But He is. And He’s invited you into the work.
So show up. With your yes. With your weakness. With your willingness. That’s where He meets you.
