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Who wants to be used by God? Well...I do of course. I'm sure you're with me and we're likely an overwhelming majority. So, perhaps we're asking the wrong questions. What about - who does God use? What about me, our churches, our families, or you? Are we being used by God? Scripture offers some unique examples with often bizarre and wild twists. Here are just a few...
Think of Moses. A raging mob before him. A raging sea behind him. A raging army rapidly approaching. His response? Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. Exodus 14:13. Wow!
Or...Jonathan forging into the Philistines with his armor bearer close behind. Thousands upon thousands of Philistines. Only two swords in all of Israel. You got to be kidding me. Right?
Gideon is another. All inflated and prepared with 32,000 men. But...God quickly whittled them down to 10,000 and then again to 300. Now that's poor odds.
How about Joshua communicating the battle plans for Jericho? 1) Walk around the walls. 2) Walk around the walls a bit more. 3) Blow some horns really loud. What in the world? Seems nuts...at least to me and you.
What's the common thread throughout? A vast list of experiences and references from each? Not really. Rather, the qualifications narrow to only one. Willingness! People who were willing to be used by God. No matter how bizarre or wild. Just simply willing. And...through this willingness, the hand of God moved in BIG ways.
As Christmas approaches and New Years rests upon the horizon, it's a good time to remind. Remind ourselves and those God has placed around us. Despite the adversity and uncertainty of today, God still moves in BIG ways. He's looking for vehicles to use and the only requirement is willingness. So...perhaps we're asking the wrong question yet again. Shouldn't it be - are you willing?
Let's follow the example of Mary whose world was turned upside down one evening long ago.
Luke 1:34-38: "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. ---- For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
In the midst of her adversity and uncertainty, Mary proclaimed willingness. The result was the redemption of man! So...whether raging seas, two swords, 300 men, or blowing trumpets...may it also be with us.
Thanks to Wes Bell, the Lead Pastor of Harvest Chapel as this post was inspired from his recent message. Click here to see his blog. Good stuff!
Think of Moses. A raging mob before him. A raging sea behind him. A raging army rapidly approaching. His response? Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. Exodus 14:13. Wow!
Or...Jonathan forging into the Philistines with his armor bearer close behind. Thousands upon thousands of Philistines. Only two swords in all of Israel. You got to be kidding me. Right?
Gideon is another. All inflated and prepared with 32,000 men. But...God quickly whittled them down to 10,000 and then again to 300. Now that's poor odds.
How about Joshua communicating the battle plans for Jericho? 1) Walk around the walls. 2) Walk around the walls a bit more. 3) Blow some horns really loud. What in the world? Seems nuts...at least to me and you.
What's the common thread throughout? A vast list of experiences and references from each? Not really. Rather, the qualifications narrow to only one. Willingness! People who were willing to be used by God. No matter how bizarre or wild. Just simply willing. And...through this willingness, the hand of God moved in BIG ways.
As Christmas approaches and New Years rests upon the horizon, it's a good time to remind. Remind ourselves and those God has placed around us. Despite the adversity and uncertainty of today, God still moves in BIG ways. He's looking for vehicles to use and the only requirement is willingness. So...perhaps we're asking the wrong question yet again. Shouldn't it be - are you willing?
Let's follow the example of Mary whose world was turned upside down one evening long ago.
Luke 1:34-38: "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. ---- For nothing is impossible with God."
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."
In the midst of her adversity and uncertainty, Mary proclaimed willingness. The result was the redemption of man! So...whether raging seas, two swords, 300 men, or blowing trumpets...may it also be with us.
Thanks to Wes Bell, the Lead Pastor of Harvest Chapel as this post was inspired from his recent message. Click here to see his blog. Good stuff!
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