How many have asked the question, “Will God ever use me like He uses others?” After seeing Him use other believers in a variety of wonderful ways, they wonder to themselves what do they have that I don’t? What about me, can God use me that way? Some genuinely want to be used with godly sincerity, while others are jealous and are moved with envy. This writing will not attempt to give all the reasons why some are used and some are not, since there are no “pat-answers” that will cover every individual circumstance. Instead, it will focus on the reasons why God can use you if you are one who asks, “Will God ever use me?” You might even discover that He uses you more than you realize.
Keep in mind that God is sovereign and everything must take place according to His will. Jesus is the Head of the Body which is the Church, which means He has a specific place for everyone (see 1Corinthians 12:3-18; Ephesians 1:22). Romans 2:11 clearly says, “There is no respect of persons with God” (KJV, see also Acts 10:34). This means we cannot treat the things of the Kingdom as some sort of popularity contest. Those in the proverbial limelight are no more important than those who are hidden out of sight. Similar to the human body, the exterior of it is what people see, but without the unseen vital organs, the body would not function. Question: who is more important, the one ministering in the public eye or the one praying for him? The unseen actions of people who do things in secret play a far more significant role than we may realize. Have you ever stopped to think of the importance of the role played by the unknown persons who mentored the ones who are well known? Are they less significant? Furthermore, would those who have a public ministry have one without those who are hidden? The Apostle Paul had Ananias and Barnabas (Acts 9:10-31). Where would he have been without them? Because He is equal, God will use everyone, but He may use him or her differently. We are all created to have a unique relationship with God that differs from others, though we are equal in His sight. We have similarities and the same spiritual principles to live by, but our relationships with Him are individualistic. Just as parents will do different things with each of their children because they differ from each other, as each child has his or her own like and dislikes. In the same way, the Father does different things with His children. We need to be content with what God gives and does with us. We should be glad for our brothers and sisters when the Fathers does things with them. In fact, we should base what we do in the Kingdom on our relationship with Him, not competition for His attention!
Another question that has plagued some people is, “Do I do enough in order for God to use me?” They question whether others who do exploits for the Kingdom are doing more than them. For example, do they pray and fast more than I do? Do they study more? Since when can we earn the love of God or receive the Holy Spirit by works? Galatians 3:1-5 puts it this way, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith (KJV)?” Since it is God’s favor, it is His glory. Therefore, if we could somehow earn the right to the exploits, we would more than likely claim the glory. In fact, some people do take the credit. “Well you know; I paid my dues to get where I am today.” So, are they saying the Blood of Jesus had nothing to do with it? Do they believe they earned the gifts that God freely gives to those who receive them by faith? None of us will ever be able to do enough to earn the privilege of being used of God! Actually, the gifts that operate through us do the works, not us. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (KJV). Perhaps, we need to begin by listening to the Voice of the Lord. We cannot generate the works of God. We simply need to obey His Voice, and He will accomplish them through us. He gets all the glory!
In some cases, the issue is availability. How far are you willing to go? If you desire to speak prophetically, will you speak everything you hear the Lord whisper in your ear? It is easy to say things people want to hear, but what about words of correction and rebuke. It is easy to prophesy prosperity, what about famine and hardship? If the Lord says, “Go here or there,” will you? If He tells you to stay put, will you be content to remain where you are at? If God asks you to do something “insignificant,” would you turn it down because it is not “grandiose?” If you say you are available for anything, it means you cannot choose what to obey. Perhaps, the former is not the issue. It may be a question of being available, period. The Lord uses some more than others because they have an actual relationship with Him. They spend time with Him, which means they are able to dialogue with Him. They take the time to listen, so they have something to obey. How can you do works of faith, if you do not take time to listen? Prayer is the result of the relationship as well. How can you pray according to His will, if you do not know what it is? If you do not make yourself available to Him, do not be disappointed if God does not use you. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (KJV).
