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God Uses the Ordinary

One of the blessings but also challenges of being a pastor is that I get a chance to spend a lot of time reading the Bible. I say blessings of course because as Christians, we believe it is the Word of God, His message to humanity. But I also believe it is challenging to spend time in the Bible because there are so many verses that reveal my sin and need for grace.

There is so much for us to learn as we read and study Scripture. I have mentioned in the past how I love to read the Old Testament – and not just the stories about David and Goliath and Noah’s Ark.

I love reading the prophets because their story is so relevant to our call in today’s world. The Prophets of the Old Testament endured much, yet proclaimed the Word of God with authority and power. Sometimes I read their stories and experiences and I ask myself, “What does it take to be used by God in a special way?”

When we read about the “heroes” of the Bible, it is often intimidating to look at how they stood up for God even in the midst of danger. We usually think of God using great and gifted people to do His work. But if you read the prophet Amos’s description of his background, you discover he was a regular “Joe”. In Amos 7:14-15, he writes, “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel'”.

Not too spectacular was he? Amos was a plain country boy engaged in country work, gathering figs and following the flocks. In spite of his humble background, God had a job for Amos to do. And when God told Amos what it was, he got right at it. He didn’t waste time complaining about his lack of training in the art of prophesying. He trusted the Lord to give him the ability and wisdom he needed for the task.

All through the Bible, God used the imperfect to achieve His purposes. Think of King David – the runt of the family; Rahab – the prostitute; Peter – the hot-head – these were all flawed and struggling people. When you look at all the examples in Scripture, you realize that today, God could use any Christian to make a serious impact on this world. What kind of background does it take to serve God effectively? It does not matter if you can speak, are gifted in leadership, can prophesy or speak in tongues, God can use you.

In our adult Sunday School class, we just finished a study of James. In the last portion of the letter, James mentions the prophet Elijah and how he prayed and there was no rain for three and a half years. Why do I mention Elijah?
James describes him as a “human being, even as we are.” He was NO different than you or I!

The bottom line is, if God is calling you to serve Him, then say yes, and get started right where you are today. It may be in the Church? It may be in the community you live? It may be in your workplace or school.

The important point I want to make is not to focus on what you CAN’T do for God, but rather focus on what you CAN do for Him. Serving God is allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, to take what we have to offer and bless it for His honour and glory. But if we are willing to allow ourselves to be used by God, He will give us strength in our weakness and bless our efforts for Him.

Deuteronomy 20:4 says, “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” The Lord is with us.
May you experience God’s presence and love as you seek to honour Him.

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