I have to admit that at times I can become confused or even a little jealous when God chooses to use someone who I would consider “unqualified” to do his work. It is almost as if he rewards those who behave poorly, or exalts those whose faithfulness is questionable. It is kind of like the story of the prodigal son. It was the son who squandered his father’s money in sin and chorusing who was welcomed back with open arms, given a party and clothed in fine robes. The faithful son seemed all but ignored. Likewise, there are times when God will choose an unlikely vessel to do an amazing work in his name. One of the greatest examples of this was Saul. It says in Acts, chapter 9, verse 15:
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.’”
Just two chapters earlier, we read that Saul approved of the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and was on a mission to imprison anyone who put their faith in Christ. And now, we understand that he is being groomed to carry the message of Christ to the Gentiles and their kings! Even after Jesus appeared to Saul, who was later named Paul, many of the believers were afraid of him, not sure if his conversion was authentic or a ploy to imprison more believers. Even Ananias was wary of him. But God was not. He chose the most unlikely of people to do the most amazing work in his name. In fact, Paul wrote most of the New Testament, suffered greatly for Christ, and is heralded as one of the most prolific believers in the Bible. So if God can use Paul, one of the most unlikely of vessels, then he can use anyone. He can use you and he can use me. So I would encourage you not to minimize your worth for kingdom purposes. You may have had a rocky past, but God can still use you. And for those who have followed Christ faithfully for years, there are several examples of God using those in that camp as well. Well, let’s head on to our next song, but first, if you want to write into the show, here’s how you can.
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I remember a time when God used someone who I thought was unqualified to perform a miracle. At a Benny Hinn alter call, he touched the head of a woman and felt power flow out of him, knocking her out in the Spirit. God has never used me in that way, especially at that time in my life. After I heard his story, I grew a bit indignant and jealous. But I was later reminded of the truth of Acts, chapter 9. God can choose anyone he wishes to do his will. And he often chooses the most unlikely of vessels. The Bible reminds us that “he choose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the weak things of the world to confound the mighty”. That way there is no doubt who is doing the work. So I would encourage you, as I encourage myself, to accept whomever God chooses to do his work. He may even choose you to do something you think you are unqualified for. But if he does, take heart in knowing that you are certainly not the first.