In a discussion of the role of a pastor John Calvin once wrote, "If any one object that the governance of the Church is a matter of so great difficulty, that it ought rather to strike terror in the minds of persons of sound judgment than to excite them to desire to do it; I reply, that the desire of great men does not rest on confidence in their own industry or virtue, but on the assistance of 'God, from whom is our sufficiency.'"
This quote highlights for us the necessity of confidence in God in ventures of faith. At the outset of any great attempt in Christian service, there is a mixture of nervousness and hope. As time goes by and difficulties increase hope tends to fade and nervousness turns to despair. It is during those moments when our hearts are exposed. Our confidence in God has waned, and our desire shrivels. But the desire of a great person rests on confidence in God's help not our ability.
What might change in our lives if we believed this? What new venture might we pursue? May God radically change our hearts so that our faith in him exceed our misplaced trust in ourselves. The world will feel and see the difference.
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