Can God use me—even with all my limitations?

Genesis 18:11Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children.

Exodus 4:10Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

Judges 6:15“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”

1 Kings 19:3-4Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

Jeremiah 1:7The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.”

Acts 15:37-38Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work.

Galatians 6:11Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting.

1 Timothy 4:12Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Abraham and Sarah seemed too old. Moses was a poor speaker. Gideon had low social status. Elijah struggled with suicidal thoughts. Jeremiah and Timothy seemed too young. John Mark broke the apostle Paul’s trust. Paul himself was probably limited by poor eyesight. Yet God used them—and many other heroes of faith—despite their limitations. God will use us, too, if we step forward in our lives of faith.

1 Corinthians 12:7A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

No matter what our limitations are, God has given us spiritual gifts to use in service of others.