I heard a sermon recently where the preacher had those in his congregation stand who were CEOs, business owners, leaders and policy makers along with a list of those who possessed other powerful, influential, charismatic, and successful credentials. Many stood, proud of their accomplishments and the potential they had to influence others and to make meaningful changes in their community. Then the preacher said that he had good news and bad new for them. The good news was that God can use them too, implying that those who remained seated were the ones best positioned for God to use them in a mighty way for kingdom purposes. I found that message intriguing and true. The Bible teaches us that God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; that he chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong. That is one reason why I believe Paul was used so mightily. Because by his own admission, he did not believe that he was talented or eloquent enough to persuade anyone on his own. In fact, he felt afraid, and in some ways inadequate when proclaiming Christ to a live audience. He said in First Corinthians, chapter 2, verses 2 though 5:
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
God uses the foolish and weak things of the world to glorify himself. I believe he does this so that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that it is the power of God, not man, doing the work. Paul said that he preached not with wise or persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that their faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. When we think we are inadequate; when we are called to step our of our comfort zone allowing God to shine in a way where he alone can receive the Glory, then we are in the perfect place to be used by him.
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Thankfully, being effective for the kingdom of God does not depend solely on our abilities. It is not our persuasive words that will lead others to Christ, soften a heart towards him, or affect change in the lives of others. God can use us in spite of our shortcomings. I might even argue that God will use us because of our shortcomings. Yes, he may give us the right words to say, he may prepare the atmosphere so that the hearts of those listening may be more susceptible to the message, and he may - through us - draw others to himself, but he is doing all of the work that matters. We are only open and obedient to him - vessels that he can use in his master plan. So I would encourage you to be open to whatever God calls you to do. He may allow the gifts he has given you to play a role in his plan, or he may choose to only use your hands, feet and mouth as he does all of the work. The point is that he can us any of us. We only need to be willing and obedient. Are you willing and obedient? If you are, I would challenge you not to concern yourself with your own abilities or shortcomings when doing the work of God. Enter into his work prayed up, in step with the Spirit, and dependent on him with the willingness to do his will for his glory.
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