Embracing God's Call: Overcoming Inadequacy to Serve
Summary
I discussed the importance of allowing God to work through us, even when we feel inadequate or unqualified. I shared my personal experiences of feeling terrified to speak in front of people, yet finding the strength to do so because I believe God has given me this ability. I emphasized that God can use anyone, even those who feel broken or flawed, in ways that we may never have imagined. I also highlighted the importance of inviting others to church and being open to the opportunities God presents us with. I used the story of Tim Tebow as an example of how God can use us in extraordinary ways if we are willing. I concluded by encouraging everyone to be open to being used by God to further His kingdom.
Key takeaways:
- God can use anyone, even those who feel inadequate or flawed, in extraordinary ways if we allow Him to work through us. [ 42:46]
- Inviting others to church and being open to the opportunities God presents us with is crucial. [ 43:27]
- We don't have to be great evangelists to bring people to God; we just need to live our lives for Jesus and invite others to do the same. [ 40:48]
- God doesn't need us, but He chooses to use us if we are willing. [ 33:43]
- We should be open to being used by God to further His kingdom. [ 34:19]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Esther 4:14 #!!42:11!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of Mordecai's message to Esther in Esther 4:14?
2. How does the phrase "for such a time as this" apply to the current situation?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being made "for such a time as this" relate to the idea of God's purpose for our lives?
2. What does it mean to be used by God in the context of Esther 4:14?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a situation in your life where you felt you were placed "for such a time as this"?
2. How can you be more open to being used by God in your daily life?
3. Can you think of a specific way you can invite someone to church or share your faith this week?
4. How can you demonstrate being Jesus to those around you who are hurting or in need?
5. What is one step you can take this week to listen and be used by God?
Devotional
Day 1: God Uses Broken and Ugly People
God doesn't just use the perfect, the polished, or the powerful. He uses the broken, the flawed, and the ordinary. He can and will use you in ways you never thought possible if you give Him the opportunity. It's as simple as inviting someone to church or sharing a post about your faith on social media ([42:46]).
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate or unqualified. How can you allow God to use you in your current state?
Day 2: God's Timing is Perfect
God's timing is not our timing. We may not understand why certain things happen when they do, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our good. Even when we don't see immediate results, we must continue to plant seeds of faith and trust in God's perfect timing ([39:38]).
Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
Reflection: Can you think of a time when you were impatient with God's timing? How can you cultivate patience and trust in His perfect plan?
Day 3: God Gives Us Opportunities to Be Used
God doesn't need us, but He gives us the opportunity to be used by Him. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and allow God to work through us. This may involve taking risks and facing our fears, but the rewards are immeasurable ([30:08]).
Bible Passage: Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Reflection: What opportunities has God given you to be used by Him? How can you step out in faith and seize these opportunities?
Day 4: God Works Through Small Acts of Faith
God can use small acts of faith to make a big impact. A simple invitation to church or a kind word can plant a seed that grows into a life-changing encounter with God. We don't have to be famous or influential to make a difference; we just have to be willing to be used by God ([37:22]).
Bible Passage: Matthew 13:31-32 - "He told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'"
Reflection: What small acts of faith can you take this week to make a difference in someone's life?
Day 5: We Are Made For Such a Time as This
Just like Esther, we are placed in our current circumstances for a reason. God has a plan for us and wants to use us to carry out His purposes. In the midst of the challenges and uncertainties of life, we can trust that we are here for such a time as this ([42:11]).
Bible Passage: Esther 4:14 - "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Reflection: How can you embrace your current circumstances as an opportunity to be used by God?
Quotes
1. "God uses broken and ugly people. If you give Him the opportunity to use you, He can and He will in ways that you never thought possible. Let God use you. It's as easy as talking to somebody about coming to church or posting something on Facebook. God will use it." - 43:27
2. "It's unbelievable how God reveals Himself and shows Himself to us if we're willing to listen. We don't have to be huge, we don't have to be Instagram influencers, we don't even have to save 5,000 people. But if we just open our mouths to one person to invite them to a community, you never know what's going to happen." - 39:06
3. "Many times we don't see the effects of our conversations because we want to end our timing. Sometimes the seeds that we plant are never even seen, but that doesn't mean we stop planting them." - 40:13
4. "Perhaps we were made for such a time as this. People are hurting and need Jesus, and we have the ability to be Jesus to those people in the midst of this. Perhaps God has a plan for you and wants to use you to play it out. You have to be willing to listen and be used by Him." - 42:11
5. "Our timing is not God's timing. I don't know why she didn't want to come to church a year ago or why that didn't happen and why all of a sudden now it is, but maybe now her heart is more open and moldable to what we can do here." - 39:38
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