“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13).

If only.

If only I had fewer problems in my past… If only I was a better speaker… If only I had more influence… then God might use me for something important. 

If this “if only” kind of thinking prevailed, then what about Saul, Moses or Esther? 

Saul had a tonne of problems in his past. He persecuted the church and had blood on his hands. But he was converted and became one of the greatest evangelists ever. 

Moses was hesitant about being a leader because he couldn’t speak well. But he became one of the most heroic leaders in the Bible.

Esther was a young woman in a challenging situation beyond her control. But God used her to bring rescue to her people.

God’s ability is bigger than your inability.

In fact, God uses what you have, not what you wish you had. 

Do you ever think that God could only use you for his work in the world if you were stronger or smarter or less busy? What if you just had more faith or weren’t so normal? 

But God uses what you have, not what you wish you had.

So, what do you have?

You have faith. You have prayers. You have skills. You have at least one spiritual gift. You have relationships that are unique to you. And God puts you in specific moments that only you experience.

God uses what you have, not what you wish you had. He made you—and you were born to bless.

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Notes:

–“Can God use me even when I feel unqualified?” Sermon. January 5, 2025. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.