Emma entered the room to find Wendy slumped on the sofa, her Bible closed on the table in front of her.

            “What’s wrong? You look upset.”

            Wendy frowned. “I’m not smart enough to be a Christian.”

            Emma took a seat on the sofa next to her. “What on earth are you talking about?”

            “I’ve been trying to read my Bible, but there are so many things I don’t understand. Everyone else seems to have it all figured out. I’m so discouraged. I really thought this was the answer, that if I became a Christian, it would be easy to follow God. But when I try to read the Bible, it’s so confusing.”

            Wendy reached over and picked up Emma’s Bible from where it lay. She opened it and leafed through the pages until she found what she was looking for. “Listen to this. Luke 6, verses 12-16. ^‘One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.  When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:  Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.’” Wendy turned toward Emma. “What does that mean to you?”

            “I don’t know. What should it mean?”
            “Well, before Jesus decided who to choose as his apostles, He spent all night praying. If we spend time praying to God, He’ll guide us in the right decision. Let me tell you about the twelve guys Jesus chose after praying all night.”

           “Peter, Andrew, James and John were all fishermen. They worked hard, but weren’t exactly educated. They weren’t the religious elite; they spent their days on boats catching fish. Matthew was a tax collector. They were known for taking money for themselves. He was basically a sellout. Peter often spoke before thinking, and James and John tried to get their mom to get them places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom – believing they were more worthy than the rest. Simon was a zealot and hated the Roman government so much he made a vow to kill any Roman or Jew who cooperated with Rome. He was essentially a terrorist.”

           Emma crossed her arms across her chest. “Why are you telling me this?”

           Wendy tapped the Bible. “Because I wanted you to realize God didn’t choose the people the world would have chosen. He didn’t pick the smartest, He picked the people who would follow Him.”
            “Yeah, but those guys are all smarter than me. Sure, maybe Peter got a few things wrong, but he wrote books of the Bible. Of course he understood it all. I’m nowhere near able to understand the way he would have.”

          Wendy smiled. “What would you say if I told you Peter had trouble understanding the Bible too?”

          Emma leaned closer, interest sparking in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

            “In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter says Paul writes things that are hard to understand. He thought it was confusing, too. There are several places in the Bible where the disciples ask Jesus to explain the parables to them.”

            “Well, I guess I’m in good company, then,” Emma said. “Why would God make it so complicated to get to heaven?”

            Wendy stood from the sofa and stretched. “It’s not complicated at all. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. That’s all there is to it. If you believe Jesus is the Son of God and accept his sacrifice for your sins, you already have eternal life. God doesn’t call the smartest people in the world. He calls the ones who are willing to follow him.”

            Emma sat quietly for a moment. “I never thought about all that before. Do you really think I’m smart enough to be used by God? I’m not even good at fishing.”

            Wendy laughed. “Don’t worry, being a fisherman is not a prerequisite. I know for a fact you are smart enough to be used by God. You made the wisest decision in the world – the one to follow Him. Once you make that decision, the rest falls into place. It might not always seem easy, but God will use you. Our pastor said something last Sunday that really struck me. It’s not about your ability, it’s about your availability.”

            Emma rose from the sofa and picked her Bible off the table. “If that’s all it takes, then I’m ready to be used by God.”

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Dear God, sometimes we have trouble understanding Your words and Your ways. You are holy and mighty and we are simply human. Please help us to remember it’s not about how smart we are, or how often we attend church or do ministry or give money. What You value most in us is our willing heart to follow You. Help us to stay in Your word and to be faithful in prayer. If we stay close to You, You will reveal Your will for our lives. Help us always stay close to your light so we never have to walk in darkness again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.