The Person God Uses

By Richard (Dick) Innes, Daily Encounter Monday, January 22, 2007

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."1

In God's order there is work for everyone to do. He doesn't call many to be a "Billy Graham or a Mother Teresa," but he does call all of us to be faithful in using the gifts and abilities he has given to us. In case we don't feel worthy to be of much use to God, it can help to look at the frailties of many of God's servants in the Bible.

Somebody has pointed out that: "Moses stuttered. David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was rejected by Paul. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Amos's only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning. Jacob was a liar. David had an affair. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young. Timothy had ulcers. Peter was afraid of death.

"Lazarus was dead. John was self-righteous. Jesus was too poor. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a murderer. So was Moses. Jonah ran from God. Miriam was a gossip. Gideon and Thomas both doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out. John the Baptist was a loudmouth. Martha was a worry-wart. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk. Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse? So did Peter as did Paul."

True, we all have areas of weakness and have experienced failure at some level, but God will still use every one who makes him or herself available to God. So let's be sure we are serving God by faithfully using the gifts and talents he has given to each of us. It's a great privilege and a great opportunity—plus it has eternal rewards.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the want-to-be what you want me to be and the want-to-do what you want me to do using the gifts and abilities you have given to me—and help me to love and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV)

<:>