It might come as a surprise to know that none of the heroes in the Bible were perfect. Well, none except Jesus! But all the rest had serious problems or made terrible decisions.
There will always be something that seems to be a stumbling block to you serving God…but consider some of the things that the ‘heroes’ of the Bible had against them: (adapted from an old circulated email)
Adam did the only thing he was told not to. Eve listened to a snake.
Abraham was too old. And he lied. So did Sarah. And she laughed at God’s promises.
Moses stuttered. And he had an anger problem. And was a murderer.
So was David – He was too young and too small. Then he had an affair. And killed the poor woman’s’ husband!
Noah got drunk. Miriam was a gossip. Naomi was a widow.Jacob was a liar. And a cheat.
Samson had long hair and a weakness for women.
Gideon doubted and had self esteem issues.Esther denied her name. Rahab was a prostitue.
So was Hosea’s wife and she cheated repeatedly.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out and scared of a woman.
Jonah? He ran away from God and was even angry that God forgave!Solomon was too rich. Jesus was too poor – And He was a helpless baby!
John the Baptist was a loudmouth. And he doubted.
So did Thomas. Peter was afraid of death.
John was self-righteous. Martha was a worry-wort.
Mary was accused of being lazy. John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Paul condoned murder. Timothy had ulcers. Paul had yucky eyes…Lazarus? He was dead! You can’t get more disqualified than that!
But regardless of all these faults and failures, God’s plan and purpose was accomplished through them all. And it will be through you as well! If you read the Bible you will see incredible results in all of the above imperfect humans lives…
God can use you no matter what. He knows your faults & failures, He knows your mistakes. But thankfully, He loves to forgive – and He can, thanks to Jesus!
God looks beneath the surface, He judges correctly.1 John 7:24 (NLT) Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” 1 John 3:20 (NLT) Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. But He’s not concerned with what skills or talents you have that He can use for Him. If He wants you to complete a task – He will give you the gift(s) you need.
The thing is – it is not about you but all about Him!
Don’t let your past mistakes, lack of training or current situation stop you being willing to live for God. He can use absolutely everything for His purpose. 2 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
And even if we do wonderful things for others we still may believe that we are not be wonderful ourselves. Satan says, “You’re not worthy!” Jesus says, “So what? I AM.”
Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the Cross – believe it or not, God sees the perfection of Jesus when He looks at you! 3 If you are a Christian – if not you are under His wrath (John 3:36) Now there’s a God worth serving!
Lord, please motivate us to be willing to serve you. Help us to see that You are in control and have the power (and desire) to empower us to fulfil Your plan.
Footnotes:
- 1John 7:24 (NLT) Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” 1 John 3:20 (NLT) Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
- 21 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
- 3If you are a Christian – if not you are under His wrath (John 3:36)