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If God had a Yearbook

Growing up, we waited all year long for the high school yearbook to be published. It was the teller of tales of the year through candid photos and captions. The blank pages were a perfect canvas for well wishes for friends and love notes from crushes. The most sought-after pages were the accolades. Who would be Mr. and Mrs. High School? Most Athletic, Class Favorite, or Homecoming Queen? Truthfully, most knew the answer to these just by observation. However, the waters became muddied regarding Most Likely to Succeed. What were the criteria? Was this based on reading every textbook cover to cover? Was it having the most drive or the gift of organization? What about leadership or the highest-grade point? Was it all of these qualities and more? I always wondered how they decided on this accolade. After all," most likely" is a phrase that sends the message that something will "most likely" happen. It's the opposite of - you guessed it, the least likely. 


I never saw anyone be voted the least likely to accomplish something, but there were undoubtedly, by the world's standards, the least likely in our midst; among them was me when it came to most categories- particularly sports. I never questioned why I was not the winner of the Most Athletic nomination. Looking back, I wonder about the Most Likely to Succeed award. Was it accurate? Was it something that was even remotely measurable? It was too broad to narrow to just one or two recipients, even though the winners were well-deserving. Many were worthy of this honor for many different reasons. 


The Bible contains examples of those looked upon as the 'least likely.' David, a mere shepherd boy, was the least likely to become a king. So unlikely that he was not even included in the lineup to be considered the day Samuel visited Jesse's Sons to anoint the new king. Zacchaeus, the tax collector and quite undesirable according to the people of the day was called down from a sycamore tree to take Jesus to his house for dinner. What about Abraham? God called him from a pagan country - think about that. It was unlikely that someone who didn't even know God, much less practiced all the dos and don'ts of the faith, would be a likely choice to become the Father of Nations, but that is what happened. God called Abraham not for all he was but for all he was not!


When we feel like the least likely to _______, you can fill in the blank. Think about the countless examples of people who felt just like you. Reflect on the work of God in each of their lives. He called them not out of their perfection, scholarly ability, appearance, or stature. He called them because of their willingness to allow Him to equip them for service. This is a powerful reminder that God's equipping is not based on our perceived abilities, but on His divine plan for us. 


If God had a yearbook, many winners would be in the heavenly accolades. Each one bearing the caption: Willing to be Equipped by God for service. 


'...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.' 


This verse from Philippians 1:6 is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to us. It reminds us that even when we feel inadequate or unsure, God is continuously working in our lives, shaping us for His purposes.


Philippians 1:6



photo credit: wikiclipart,com

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