Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ – Amos 7:14-15 (NIV)
How did Amos become a prophet?
His call into the prophetic wasn’t by lineage, human ordination, or even by his own ambition. (John 1:12-13; Galatians 1:1)
If there is an example of the immutable purpose of God, we find one here. Despite having no trace of a connection to prophetic ways, Amos was found by God. In his simple reply, the power of God found a place to rest, and the love of God found a vessel to flow through.
God doesn’t need help to redeem any man’s life. He only needs our agreement. Amos’s “yes” was worth more than any prophetic qualification.
Here is where you can be encouraged: Sometimes we judge that we have ruined our lives because we haven’t achieved certain things by a certain time or in a certain way. I have been tempted to believe this many times.
Amos’s story tells me that God’s purpose is undefeated and immutable, meaning no circumstance can erase or silence it. God tells us through Paul that all things work together for good for those who love Him AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE (Romans 8:28).
Even if you have failed, that doesn’t mean you have no hope. God is a redeemer of everything He is trusted with. He makes all things beautiful because He is beauty Himself.
Don’t judge and rate your life only to be sad, rather, thank God that you still have breath, because that is hope right there in itself! Then find ways, to agree with God. He will not leave you on your own, He Himself promised that in Hebrews 13:5.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my life. All the ups and the downs, the dreams, successes, and failures. I’m grateful. You hold my life now, and that means that anything is possible. Like Amos, I don’t see good reason for me to be where I’m at, or where I’m going; but I will trust and obey You. I will go where you lead and lean on your words towards me when doubts and fears assail me and others doubt my credentials or criticize me. I will only trust You to prove Yourself, in Jesus name I pray.