Opinion : 'Can God Use Me?'

Bummed out because you’d like to be greater used of the Lord? Perhaps we can find encouragement in a short promise the LORD gave to the parents of Samson- that crazy, immoral, irresponsible Israeli judge in the Old Testament who was given mighty strength at various times in his short, troubled life.

Here’s the message Samson received about his own usefulness- even before he was born:

“…he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines” Judges 14:4 NLT.

There you have it - Samon’s usefulness was predetermined -he could neither improve upon OR detract from the usefulness and fruitlessness God had preset for his life. It was fixed.

And here’s the strangest thing- he intentionally and rebelliously wandered away from God’s special, dedicated, Nazarite plan time and time again, and yet God still used him mightily to accomplish his purposes. That sounds more like a testimony of God’s mighty grace than Samson’s desire to be mightily used by his God.

So Christian friend, doesn’t this bring some hope and encouragement to you? If you’re longing for something bigger and better, ask the Lord about it -ask Him to show you what He wants you to do. And if you doubt He has a plan to ‘use’ you and bear fruit through your life, think again - His plan for your life was complete even before He said, ‘Let there be light…’

Not a Christian yet? Wondering what God’s plan for you is? Here it is in one word: Jesus. It's simple. God's plan for you and me is Jesus. And here's what Jesus wants of you: to repent of your sin and believe (trust) Him. Read Mark 1:15 in the Bible - God's plan for you is Jesus.

Be encouraged. Press on. I am praying you will.

written by Zach Zajicek
pastor of First Baptist Church
all verses quoted from the NLT of the Scriptures