It's Not Too Late. Let's Go.

Recently I listened to a message on Matthew 20, the parable of the workers in the vineyard. I've heard this story many times before, but this time something landed differently.

In the story, workers are invited into the vineyard throughout the day. Some arrive early in the morning. Others are invited at noon. Still others come near the end of the day. Each time, the owner extends the same invitation: Come work in my vineyard.

As I listened, I wasn't hearing a story about wages. I was hearing a story about invitation.

It felt as though God was gently whispering, "It doesn't matter when you arrive. It doesn't matter how much time has passed. It doesn't matter how late you think it is. When I invite you into My Kingdom, the answer is simply, 'Let's go.'"

For much of my life, I have carried the belief that I wasn't smart enough. School was difficult for me. Learning often seemed easier for others, and over time I allowed that experience to become part of my identity. I began to believe that because learning was hard, I must somehow be less qualified.

That lie followed me into adulthood.

It followed me into ministry.

It followed me into coaching.

It followed me whenever God asked me to step forward and speak.

Every invitation from God seemed to be met with the same response:

"But what if I don't know enough?"

"But what if I get it wrong?"

"But what if someone else is more qualified?"

Yet God continues to invite me.

Not because I have all the answers.

Not because I have the perfect education.

Not because I've finally earned the right to speak.

He invites me because He is the one who qualifies me.

One of the scriptures God keeps bringing to mind is 2 Corinthians 3:5-6:

"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant..."

What a relief.

Our competence does not come from our education, our resume, our accomplishments, or our ability to get everything right. Our competence comes from God. The One who calls us is the One who equips us. The One who invites us into the vineyard is the One who provides everything we need to do the work He has prepared for us.

Scripture reminds us that God often chooses people who appear unqualified by the world's standards.

Fishermen became disciples.

Shepherds became leaders.

Ordinary men and women became carriers of extraordinary Kingdom purpose.

God has never been looking for perfect credentials. He's looking for willing hearts.

Sometimes faith isn't taking a giant leap. Sometimes faith is simply taking the next step God places in front of us and trusting Him to meet us there.

The truth is, many of us are waiting until we feel qualified before we obey.

But what if qualification comes through obedience?

What if confidence grows after we step into the vineyard, not before?

What if the invitation itself is evidence that God believes we are ready for the next step?

I've spent years believing that because learning was difficult for me, I wasn't qualified to teach, coach, or speak. Yet God keeps inviting me forward. Not because of what I bring to the table, but because of who He is.

Perhaps the same is true for you.

If God has been nudging you toward something—speaking, serving, leading, creating, writing, encouraging, teaching, or simply sharing your story—don't wait until fear disappears.

Trust the One who called you.

Trust the One who equips you.

Trust the One who promises to complete the good work He began in you.

It may feel late in the day.

You may feel like others started long before you.

You may wonder if you've missed your chance.

But God's invitation still stands.

Come into the vineyard.

Let's go.

Coach Shel

Rhythms of Grace Life Coaching