Will God use me despite my inadequacies and failures?

Exodus 2:11-15Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews. After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand. The next day, when Moses went out to visit his people again, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. “Why are you beating up your friend?” Moses said to the one who had started the fight. The man replied, “Who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?” Then Moses was afraid, thinking, “Everyone knows what I did.” And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well.

Judges 13:1–16:31Finally, Samson shared his secret with her [Delilah]. . . . So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. . . . Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again.”

Jonah 1:1-3The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.

Matthew 26:69-75Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.

1 Corinthians 15:58So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

2 Timothy 2:21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Ephesians 5:10Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

Perfection is not one of God’s requirements. He can use anyone he chooses and any circumstance to bring about his will. In these Scriptures, we read about the failures of Moses, Samson, Jonah, and Peter. Yet God used each of them in a mighty way to carry out his work and plans. God knew the future sins of these men when he ordered them set apart to become his leaders. But he also knew that these men longed to have clean hearts and a right relationship with God, even though they often stumbled in their faith. Fortunately, God does holy work through unholy people, because he knows no one is perfect. In the same way, he will use us if we sincerely want to be close to him and we ask him to cleanse us, even though he knows we will disobey him in the future. The key to being used by God is not perfection, but a willingness to seek forgiveness, repent from sin, and serve God with humility and obedience. Then our worry and frustration will diminish as we pursue his will and purpose.