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Originally Posted by Evangelical
I think this approach builds character and I see nothing wrong with it, and it may even have spiritual value. It is good to be outside of our "comfort zone" sometimes.
There is a general principle in the Bible that God uses those who are not capable. Because He does not want us to do things in our strength but His strength. Because He wants the glory. If we do things we are good at or like to do, would we really give Him the glory?
1 Cor 1:27 "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world that He might shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world that He might shame the strong;"
Moses was not a good speaker, David was not a warrior yet killed Goliath, Jacob was a home body and mommy's boy, there are many examples.
Those who have natural strength and ability (Saul, Esau etc) have generally not been chosen by God to do great things for Him, or they have been, but made a mess of it.
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I will admt that at one time I thought the same way, but I am not so sure anymore. For example, Saul and Esau did not "mess" things up because of their "natural strength," but because Saul was disobedient to Jehovah, and Esau hated the things of God. Esau might have been physically stronger than Jacob, but when it came to business acumen, Jacob was far superior. Actually David was a far more skillful warrior than anybody thought, including Goliath and both armies. He killed both a lion and a bear apparently with his bare hands. His courage was unmatched. With his sling he was more deadly than those with swords and armor.
Did not God greatly use the natural talents of Paul and Peter? Timothy, however, never was able to fulfill Paul's goals for him because he lacked the fortitude which Paul possessed.
All of the great men of God throughout church history were blessed with great strength of character. Read their biographies. Of course, it is not essential to be gifted in order to serve God, but those who accomplished much were also given much.