Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)
Do you have goals, dreams, or passions you want to fulfill? Has God given you a calling to answer; something He wants you to do?
Personally, I can think of a few passions the Lord has placed on my heart. Such as writing a book, preaching to women, teaching dance, owning a faith-based dance studio, sharing my faith with others, and leading non-believers to Christ. The list can go on and on.
All of these things are good things, but if I can be honest, many times I don’t believe God can use me.
- I am afraid and doubtful.
- I question God’s character and struggle to believe His plans are good.
- I question if I am good enough.
- I get distracted and compare myself to what other people are doing or not doing.
Maybe you can relate to me. You might have dreams you thought about doing one day, but it never happens. Or God calls you to do something, but it seems like you can’t take the steps to do it. Everyone wrestles with these thoughts, and wonders can God use me?
Here are three reasons why many times we don’t believe God can use us:
1. Our view of God is limited
How we see God matters. Our relationship with God is the most important thing to have because it shapes everything else in our lives. It causes us to see ourselves, the world and sin correctly. If we believe the lie that God is incapable and powerless this will hinder us from believing that God can use to do great things. How do you view God? Is He able? Do you believe He has all control and authority over everything?
Our vocal scripture reminds us that God is able to do more than we can ask, think or imagine. That sounds like a big God to me. When we wash our minds with the word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s character to us it strengthens our faith. John 17: 3 says “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
2. Our view of ourselves is distorted
Self-sabotage. Shame. Insecurity. These words I know too well because I have allowed them to control my life. Many people struggle with believing the lie of “I’m not good enough”. You might even think that your past or upbringing disqualifies you from being used by God.
When we constantly see ourselves as incapable and inadequate we will never walk into the things God is calling us to do.
Our vocal scripture reminds us that God is the one who is doing the work within us that gives us the power to complete His will. Your identity and strength come from the Lord. God has given you everything you need to do His will, and if you are lacking God will supply the need.
Psalm 139:14 says “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Oh, how I long to ‘know it full well’ how God created me. How God created you is good and fearfully and wonderfully. Allow God to exchange the lies for His truths about who He says you are.
3. Other people’s opinions paralyze us
Opinions. Opinions. Opinions. Everyone has them. Have you ever told someone a goal you had, but that person responded in a harmful or unhelpful way? I have allowed my obedience to God to be dictated by other people. So I obeyed God when others agreed, but this hindered my faith in God. A lesson I learned is that just because someone doesn’t believe in what God is calling you to do doesn’t mean you don’t obey God.
God's word reminds us that people do not determine our life, God does. God does not need people’s permission to do something in your life. He is the one who has the power to make lasting change. We don’t have to live in fear of other people’s opinions. Galatians 1:10 says, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
How we view God will shape our belief and what we believe in will shape the way we live.
The truth is that God is more than able to do anything He wants to do. Nothing can stop his plans for our lives. Our vocal scripture reminds us that God can exceed our expectations. Once we believe who God says He is then we are able to see ourselves correctly. Which will strengthen us to walk in faith towards the things God has for us.
Dear friend, God CAN use you!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for choosing me despite my flaws. Help me to believe You are who You say You are. Help me to see myself the way you see me. Help me to be released from people’s opinions. Give me the power and desire to do your will. In Jesus' name Amen!
Written By: Ashawrie White
