Either You Do or You Don’t

One thing I have really started to do this last year is watch my “churchy” statements.  You know the ones.  I feel like as believers we have adopted a new language of some sorts.  It has been quite frustrating, to say the least, working to uproot this new language I have acquired.

So, what am I talking about?  I am talking about the phrases we use all the time when we refer to God or our lives with Him.  There is one that I really would like to dive into today because it is a “churchy” phrase but it can also be true depending on what you decide and whether or not you really believe what you say.  I know, I know, you’re ready to just hear the phrase and move on, but I am delaying this as long as possible for your sake.  You have been warned.  Once you hear this phrase, you may not be able to hear it the same again.  Ready?  Okay, here we go.  The phrase is: God, You can use me.

What?  Is that it?  Yes, but hear me out.  We as Christians, often times, use this phrase in such a flippant manner. We say it with such gladness and sometimes much conviction because in our hearts it is what we feel at the time, but I challenge you today with this question.  Can God really use you?  Because I know our desire is to do this and our hope is that He will.  The answer to the question is obviously yes, but that is His answer.  The truth is, God created you with a purpose and His will is to see that purpose fleshed out for His glory and the expansion of His kingdom.  That is His will, but what about you?  Your answer to this very same question, more than likely, is maybe.

Before you become outraged with me, I want you to think about this carefully.  Because I think that we can get caught up in our emotions and not truly think about the weight of our words.  When we say, “God, You can use me.” It is often followed up with another phrase, “In anyway You choose.”  Now there may be different variations to this second phrase, but they all pretty much say the same thing. 

I ask you, what happens when being used looks like running for you life?  Exhibit A: King David.  We have all heard his story and we love the idea of it.  We think of his glorious triumph over Goliath and use that story to inspire others.  He was the son, that was looked over by many, but God saw him.  Truly, it’s a beautiful story.  God, indeed, wanted to use him, but let’s humanize David for a moment.  David was anointed to be the next king of Israel.  Sounds great right?  Until we read about how the king at the time, Saul, decided that David should be killed.  Because of King Saul’s jealousy and rage, he had David fleeing for his life.  Now, is that what you thought about when you asked God to “use” you?  Of course not, who would?  However, we must always count the cost of our requests.  David was used by God, but I’m sure he had no idea that it would almost cost him his life.  On the flip side, look at Saul.  Let’s not forget that God wanted to use him first.  Saul was chosen by God too.  His fate was the result of his lack of trust and disobedience to God.  He didn’t count the cost.

So many people in the Bible were used by God and the cost was really high. What about Joseph? God use him and his own brothers sold him to slavery. Which was the second option, by the way, because they wanted to kill him first. God used Sarah and she had to wait decades to bare children of her own. What about Mary? She wanted to be used by God. In fact, according to scripture, she said, “…be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38). Her soon to be husband wanted to end their relationship because God chose to use them for the birth of our Savior.

I say this with full confidence that when God uses you, it will not always be under the most pleasant circumstances.  It is our choice, then, to decide if God can really use us.  Let’s put this into a likely perspective for ourselves. 

Can God use you when it looks like congratulating someone else on their promotion? 

Can God use you when it involves throwing a baby shower for a friend who had no desire to have children and you, who have been in waiting for 7 years, still have none?

Can God use you after you received a bad report from the doctor?

Can God use you when you remained faithful, stayed the course, did the counseling, and your spouse still walked out on you?

These are very real situations that don’t always happen to every person who proclaims the name of the Lord, but can certainly happen in an instant.  The question still remains, Can God use you?  That is our decision.  You can give your broken heart and messy pieces to God and allow Him to do what He does best.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)  That’s you and me.

I ask, the next time you use that “churchy” phrase, count the cost and make the decision to allow God to work things for your good.  I sure will.

-Pam