Being Available for God’s Use

God is always teaching His children.

The other day because of certain interactions and encounters, I felt physically drained and emotionally exhausted. And I started to wonder whether I was doing what God wanted me to do. You see, I had become accustomed to recognizing God’s presence when I’m involved in an activity that’s in accordance with His will for my life. I would be very much aware of being refreshed, energized, and “in the flow”. For at these times, He was working in me and through me. It was not by my effort.  For Isaiah 40: 29-31 tells me: “He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (NLT).

Through God’s power, I would get it done. I would rise to the occasion.

 So, I was disappointed in not sensing His presence as I had become accustomed. It’s not as though I have always been able to recognize His presence, but God taught me well by allowing me to go through different trials.

In my younger years, I didn’t have a clue. But through experience, I learned. As the old folks used to say some things are better learned through “the school of hard knocks”. Not that the experiences were terribly bad, but they were experiences that I could have avoided if I had listened to that still, small voice within. God had taught me the importance of waiting on Him.

So here I am now, questioning a recent decision because I was not “feeling” what I thought I should feel. What I had grown to expect was not happening. My expectations were not being met. So, I reached out to God through Scripture and prayer. And He reminded me that it is not about me and my feelings. It is not about whether or not I am “in the flow”. It’s about whether or not I am doing something that God would want me to do.

 This opened my eyes and I had to ask myself:

·       Am I “pouring out” to others as God has poured into me?

·       Am I choosing to serve, rather than being served?

·       Am I extending grace to others as God has extended His grace to me?

·       Am I allowing God to use me?

We don’t have to know why God has placed us in a given situation, under particular circumstances. We just need to be true to who we are in Christ. We need to strive to reflect the light of Jesus in what we think, say and do. We need to be true to the nature given to us through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). And we need to hold onto God’s truths. For example: God said, “He would never leave us nor forsake us” (Deuteronomy 31:8). So why should I doubt His presence? It is up to me to accept this truth and boldly step out in faith—knowing He is with me.

During times of uncertainty, we may still feel uneasy, tense, or overwhelmed, but hold on because God is with us and His purposes are being fulfilled. Quite often we will quote Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). But how often do we continue on to Romans 8:29, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters” (NLT). God’s purpose for us is clear. He is molding and shaping us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus the Christ.

It is not easy to go against our natural tendencies, to go against our “gut instincts”, and to stretch beyond our “comfort zone.” But Scripture tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT). Our Christian walk is a faith walk, ever trusting in the Lord to guide us, ever desiring to be used for His purposes.