We may wonder from time to time if we are good enough? Are we prepared? Can we respond when called?

Looking again at Matthew 17:24-26, we read;

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Today, let’s look at Peter’s assignment. Jesus tells him that they are going to pay that tax, and Jesus provides by performing a miracle. There is a coin in the mouth of the first fish that Peter catches. That coin is enough to cover the tax. God again provides what is needed, when it is needed.

Let’s look further, though, at what Peter had to do. Peter, the fisherman, was asked to go fishing. God, in the presence of Jesus, did not ask Peter to do anything that he was not equipped to do. Peter was not asked to learn a new skill, study a new class, learn a new language. All he had to do is what he already knew. That, plus obey.

What skills do we have that we overlook? Do we realize that God has already equipped us for His service? We will respond when called, know that Jesus equips us?

As leaders, do we recognize the skills and abilities in our followers? Do we ask them to use their skills? Do we show them that they can succeed?

By Steve Crawford