God doesn’t use me!

November 2, 2007

By Jerry Scott

She was one of those people easily overlooked in a group — quiet, unassuming, of a gentle spirit. Her question was heart-felt, “Why doesn’t God use me?”

She had reached a mistaken conclusion that a real mission from God requires some earth-shaking adjustment in life like moving across the country, accepting a call to an exotic mission field, or starting a brand new ministry. She didn’t realize God’s plans for us always start right where we are, in the life we are presently living.

God may use us for the rest of our lives in that place, or He may promote us to larger venues. Either way, what He wants most is faithfulness.

If God cannot trust you and me to faithfully obey Him in our home and community, around the family and friends we have now, why would He call us to greater responsibilities? If He cannot capture our attention when we practice our daily spiritual disciplines, why would He entrust us with a wider call that brings even more distractions into our lives?

Jesus said it like this: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” (Luke 16:10,11, NLT).

Many years ago I remember asking the Lord to let me do something of real importance for Him, to let me speak and teach before many people. I clearly remember praying in that arrogant way and hearing God’s voice ever so clearly in my heart: Jerry, do you want to speak to many because you really have something to say, or just because you want to be heard?

What a rebuke. I have never forgotten it. Service done with an eye on the audience, measuring the applause, seeking reward other than God’s approval, is corrupt and insincere.

Are you waiting for some special set of circumstances to develop before you get serious about seeking God’s purpose in your life? Have you told yourself that tomorrow you will start to serve God more faithfully? Do you think it will be easier next year, or in some other place?

The Lord told His disciples, “Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

God would remind us there is much to do for Him right here, right now.

Be faithful today. Let God use you in the small ways, in the hidden places, in ways that seem to have no real spiritual significance. Leave the results and rewards to Him. The truth is you may have more impact for the Kingdom where you are right now than in any other place in the world. God uses us all if we make ourselves available and obey today.

Jerry D. Scott is senior pastor of Washington (N.J.) Assembly of God.