You Might Be Qualified
- Pastor Amarillys Hatton
- Aug 22, 2017
- 4 min read
We are so excited to bring you a guest post from our Family Life Pastor at Covenant Church McKinney, Pastor Amarillys Hatton. Enjoy!
Has anyone ever disqualified you by telling you you are too young to have a significant impact or too inexperienced to succeed? Have you ever disqualified yourself? Has the thought run through your head that you haven’t lived as long nor have as much experience as those who, in your opinion, are inspiring and influential?
A few years ago, soon after my husband and I were miraculously hired for our first full-time pastors position I almost allowed this deceptive accusation to coerce me away from my destiny. The accusation did not come from an actual person… but the voice was there and I believed it just as much.
There I was. Young in age – still in my twenties. Younger in ministry experience – I’m talking weeks, maybe months here, people! In a large room full of women I found myself being escorted (it is quite possible the usher may have been dragging me… maybe) to the pastors section. From my vantage point these were not just women who were pastors; they were warriors, heroines, and trailblazers for young ones like me who feel a call to do something significant for God. Most had been in ministry longer than I’d been breathing! So to say I was intimidated is an understatement.
A.
Complete.
And.
Total.
Understatement!
I didn’t personally know many, if any, of the women sitting close by. So add to the “young” thing the fact that I am an introvert and – alas! – we have a recipe for a personal and colossal disaster. I start getting bombarded by all these thoughts… “Who do you think you are?!”, “You are too young!”, “You are a nobody!”, “You know nothing!”, “These amazing women have it all together and you don’t even know what you are doing!”, “What are you going to talk to them about?”, “You are going to look like a fool!”, “Do you even have the right clothes on?!”, “You don’t even know the reference to all the Bible verses!” (I know, right! Who does!?... If you do, let’s be friends!) Frankly, it took all the willpower I could muster up to stay in my seat… to not pick up my purse and Forrest-Gump-it out of there!
So I worshipped with them. I sat with them. I even greeted a few! I pushed through because I trusted God had more for me in that moment. I will never forget the powerful words that beautifully demolished the wall the enemy had built to keep me out. I don’t have enough time to tell you all about her message, but the stunning Diana Hagee spoke God-words in the moment I needed them most. She said God is not looking for polished, perfect, look-a-certain-way people… He is looking for those who are willing to let their life experiences – whether young or old, polished or broken, expert or amateur – shine the light of God on to the lives of all they come in contact with.
Yes!
THAT!
I can do that!
I WANT to do that!
THAT is why I am qualified!
He LOVES us IMMEASURABLY and He CHOSE us! When we willingly give our lives to Him, He will take all that makes us who we are – hair color, skin color, gender, all experiences, family background, birth order, etc.; regardless of our age or level of expertise in an area – and appoint us to inspire and influence the lives of those around us… yes, even the world!
Just in case you think my experience (or yours) is an isolated incident, let me take you back a few years to a guy – a YOUNG leader named Timothy – who had the same little venomous accusation buzzing around like an annoying mosquito and the wisdom bomb his mentor, Paul, dropped:
“Get the word out! Teach all these things.
And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young.
Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.
And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed – keep that dusted off and use it.
Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them.
The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!
Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it.
Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.” (1Timothy 4:11-14 MSG)
[Mic drop!]
I’d love to say that I never battled with these annoying accusations again after that day, but time and again they just creep up. However now they don’t stand a chance because I know I am LOVED IMMEASURABLY and SPECIFICALLY CHOSEN! And…
So.
Are.
YOU!!
Therefore, whatever God has appointed you to do, “don’t be diverted! Just keep at it!” There are lives to impact!
Cheering you on,
Amárillys
Pastor Amarillys Hatton
Amárillys is the only female in her household of 5, constantly surrounded by 4 boys. Although immersed in massive amounts of testosterone, she is also admittedly adored and reigns as the Queen of her domain. Amarillys is partial to black & white and feels it’s imperative to reward herself with a healthy dose of dark chocolate almonds after any workout – it’s healthy you know! She is passionate about empowering women of all ages to not settle for merely existing but rather to flourish! Her life experience and journey with Jesus has led her into a place of intimacy with God that she wants every lady to experience.
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