[PC-USA] 2000-06-02 - Yes, Even You

Do you truly believe God can use even you, to make a difference? Or do you think, "No, He can't use me. I'm too old. Too young. Too inexperienced as a Christian. I have made too many mistakes. I "had" to get married. I am not knowledgeable enough." Etc. Satan would love for us to believe these lies. But in fact, God can use us in spite of -- and sometimes because of -- our perceived weaknesses.

  • Did you realize that Rahab, a heroine of the faith, as well as ancestor of our Lord (See Matt. 1:5), was a prostitute?
Joshua 6:25 But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho-and she lives among the Israelites to this day. (NIV)
  • Did you realize that Jesus chose as a leader among His disciples, a man who was at times impulsive and cowardly?
Matt. 26:73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away." 74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. (NIV)

Matt: 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (NIV)

  • Did you realize that God expects and enables even young Christians to make a difference, to be an example?
1 Tim. 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (NIV)
  • Did you realize that in fact, it is one of God's paradoxes that He intentionally uses people and things the world (and we) consider ineffectual?
1 Cor. 1:26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (NIV)

If you have doubted that you can make a difference, be encouraged. He can and wants to use you exactly where you are. For sure, He wants to guide you to maturity in the faith. But don't waste a precious minute that you could be making a difference in your world -- your home, your workplace, your school, among your friends. Ask Him to use you now.

Jan

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http://www.cfdevotionals.org