Ever since I became a follower of Christ, I’ve prayed that God would use me and others in mighty ways. There’s nothing wrong with this prayer. It’s a prayer that applies faith to a “Here am I, send me!” boldness. That is certainly not bad at all. However, I’ve prayed this prayer for over two decades. And a quick Google search of my name proves that God hasn’t used me in any of the “mighty ways” this broken world would recognize. I’m actually thankful for that.
I can rest in the fact that the mighty ways God has used me are spiritual and eternal. A few examples would be nurturing my relationship with the Lord by reading His Word and praying. Also, digging deep to understand as much as I can about Him. Another example is loving and serving my wife and kids. Along with leading them in righteousness and dealing with sin in a biblical way. Equally important is serving Christ’s Church quietly, without selfish ambition or vain conceit. Are those ways mighty? On second thought, how involved am I in any of that? That is, it seems that all those examples are the work of the Holy Spirit working through me. And to be honest, I’m just getting in the way most of the time!
He Will Use You
All things considered, a more powerful and practical prayer would be, “God, glorify Yourself through me and use me however You see fit to accomplish Your will.” Maybe this does mean influencing the world. Undoubtedly, God has used countless godly men and women to do that. In fact, my bookshelves are full of examples of it.
Possibly, this “just” means you devote yourself wholly to God and live a quiet life. At the same time, work with your hands, love your family and neighbors as yourself, and serve His Church. Either way, if your prayer is, “Not my will, but Yours.” He will use you in mighty ways. Because whether they’re seen or unseen, all of His ways are always mighty.
“In vain we tune our formal songs,
In vain we strive to rise;
Hosannas languish on our tongues,
And our devotion dies.”
– Isaac Watts
For God’s glory,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor