When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, I avoided getting too close to other Christians. I would sneak into church late, sit on the back pew and leave before the alter call. I was terrified that if anyone found out about my sinful past they would have my salvation revoked - not that anyone could really do that, but being new to Christ I had all sorts of silly thoughts and fears. Although I was born again, I couldn't see how God would ever be able to use me for his Glory. Fortunately, I hung in there, got some good Bible based preaching and eventually came out of my shell. I accepted the invitation from my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and joined the fellowship of God's family.
This evening I attended a Women's Ministry meeting at our local church. One of the ladies shared the following with us. I wish someone had shared it with me all those years ago when I was a brand spanking new baby Christian with an ugly sinful past.
We don't have to be perfect for God to use us. Anytime we have doubts we need to remember:
Noah got drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses stuttered
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David committed adultery and murder
Elijah was suicidal
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer
Lazarus was dead!
And ... God used them all to start a REVOLUTION!
God can use you. Remember, you aren't the message - you are the messenger.
Oh what a great post! I never ever looked or thought of the Bible people in that light. Wow, it sure opens my eyes to see it written out like that. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love your new background! It's so pretty.
ReplyDeleteOh my your post made me giggle! I indeed sneak into church right before it begins and sit at the end of the very last pew, so I don't draw any attention to myself. I've been going for a month, and this sunday will be the first sunday I'm taking my children. And we are sitting in the back pew, for a necessary quick escape if need be!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! You're right, this ought to be something every new Christian is told. God loves using cracked pots, because then we know that it's HIM, not us, that accomplishes anything good!
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