God wants to use you to do great things! It’s something nearly every preacher preaches from the pulpit. But when it comes down to it, most people don’t really believe that statement. Sure, they believe it in the same way they believe the universe is ever-expanding. Great concept, doesn’t really matter to my everyday life, but sure I believe it. Sort of.
It doesn’t really get passed their brain and into their heart. Because of this, very few people live their life expecting God to use them.
Here are a few reasons it’s easy to believe God can’t use you as well as the solution to each lie.
1. We judge whether God can use someone else.
That weird televangelist that makes you cringe… It’s easy to make judgments about them. It’s easy to assume that God can’t really use that type of personality.
When we do that, we limit God’s work to our own understanding. We limit his power to work good from everything. And it’s not a far leap to assume if God can’t use some people, he can’t use you either.
Solution: Stop limiting God in your mind. He’s bigger than your theology. He’s more capable than your mind can comprehend.
2. We don’t attribute past successes to God.
If you’re a believer, there’s a 100% chance God has already done amazing things through and for you. In your history, God has given you successes in areas where you were inadequate.
Unfortunately, many of us neglect to attribute the credit to God. We chalk it up to good luck or random circumstances. So we don’t have an accurate picture of how God has already intervened in our lives thus far.
Solution: Begin to acknowledge the goodness of God in your past. Then start looking for his goodness from now on. I guarantee you’ll see his hand guiding you and using you.
3. We think our imperfections disqualify us.
I know in the past, my own failures have caused me to shrink back from doing anything significant. Much less acting on a bold plan God gives me for his glory.
But the Bible says, the righteous can be as bold as lions. If you’re a believer, you’ve been made righteous. It’s not from your own works; it’s a gift of God. You can be bold because of Jesus’ righteousness that was given to you when you believed.
Solution: Accept the boldness in spite of your shame. The shame can be replaced with a bold fire to be used by God.
God wants to use you. He wants to manifest his glory through your life to a hurt and dying world. You just have to make yourself available.