Despite

Despite

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. . . . As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

“OH, GOD DOESN’T USE ME . . .”

I found myself leaning in, trying to catch the rest of her statement as her companion shifted and the conversation at the table next to me resumed from its momentary lull. I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but her statement was so startling that I’d automatically tuned in to that particular conversation as I waited for my own coffee companion to return from ordering a flat white.

I’ve often wished I’d tapped that woman gently on the shoulder, assuring her that God uses us, sometimes, oftentimes despite ourselves. We sometimes forget that God uses anyone and everyone to accomplish his will, including the bad guys—Scripture states that God intentionally used both Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, among other baddies (see Romans 9:17 and Ezekiel 29:19-20).

When we believe there is a holiness threshold requirement to being used by God, we get fooled into thinking that as God uses a particular person or church, then it must be that they have arrived, with no flawed theology, no skeletons in their closet. That belief, when it is applied to us and our church, comes perilously close to boasting and is certainly false.

God uses people, institutions, us, despite ourselves. To be sure, it is an honor to serve as his hands and feet, to be used to further the Kingdom of God; however, let us not confuse being used by God as a faithfulness litmus test establishing who has “arrived” and who has not. Despite our imperfections and our flaws, we are used by God. In fact, God often chooses the foolish, the weak—so that none of us can boast. God is God, and he gets the glory.

Lord, thank you that you use us, despite ourselves. Help us to remain humble, giving the glory always back to you, as you accomplish your work through us. Amen.

-Julie

One Good Step: In what ways have you declared yourself unable to be used by God? Start praying God would use you, despite yourself.