Last week we started a new series in Youth Group called ‘Unknown Heroes of the Bible’. We’re examining some of the lesser-known people who were used by God to do some amazing things. Most of us are familiar with Abraham, Mary, and John, but what about everyone else? These people are in the Bible for a reason; what did they do? How can we learn from their acts?
This is one of the many reasons I love God’s word. It’s filled with stories of ordinary people doing crazy things for God. God can use anybody. God can use YOU. You don’t have to be a top athlete, a straight-A student, or the best singer in your church pew to be used by God. God uses the regular, imperfect people of the bible to accomplish several good works in His name. He wants to use you. Look at the story of Rahab; she was a prostitute. Ruth was a Moabite; a direct enemy of Israel. Moses had a speech impediment… I could go on and on and ON! We sometimes put these “Heroes of the Bible” on a pedestal and forget that they were human too. We convince ourselves that we have nothing to offer. How could God use me? Why would God use me when there are so many better options? This couldn’t be further from reality and the Bible proves that. You have something to offer.
The FACT that God used the shunned, the outcast, and the forgotten, cannot be refuted. It’s right there in the pages of His Holy Word. What can we take from this truth? Find comfort in knowing He loves you no matter your backstory. You are never ‘too far gone’ to be saved. Thinking that way puts limits on God and the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the Cross. His death covers it ALL. Repent and be used to further His kingdom. When the world is ready to write someone off, God swoops in and says, “I want you”. We have worth. We can accomplish so much through Christ, if only we would let Him use us. We need to trust His words instead of our waning confidence. The world wants to tear us down. It wants to diminish God’s glory and ability. Don’t buy into these lies. No matter what your backstory is, what flaws you carry with you, or what gifts you may (or may not) have… God can and WILL use you for His glory and His kingdom. He wants to.