God takes what we have and uses it for His glory, for His purpose, even when we think we have nothing to offer. The boy with the 2 loaves and 5 fish, must have thought, what good is this small lunch among so many? However, Jesus multiplied it to feed thousands.
When the Lord told Moses to return to Egypt to bring the people out of their bondage, he said, 'Who am I to stand before Pharaoh? Who am I to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt? . . "Lord, please! Send anyone else."
Moses had many excuses and reasons for not being chosen to lead Israel; however, God in His patience assured Moses that he would be with Him and that he would not be alone.
When we follow God, He will take what we have, no matter how big or small, and use it for His glory. Even when we grow old and feel like we have nothing left to offer, God can take what we have for himself and work a miracle in us and through us!
Think you're too old? Do you think you have nothing left to do? Do you think you're too young to make a difference, or are you too busy, or too married...? There are many challenges to face, but God loves to show us His strength in our weakness. Since God can use one small child's lunch to feed thousands; why do I doubt his care for me? God used a shepherd boy named David, to bring down a giant.
Zechariah had lost hope of ever becoming a father. Then an angel appeared, and his world changed forever! Most of us would also have trouble believing the angel's message too.
We discover that both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth are both very old and that Elizabeth is "incapable" of conceiving. They don't have children. Zechariah is a priest and he’s taking his turn in the Holy of Holies. While Zechariah is in the sanctuary, an angel appears to him, just to the right of the altar of incense. Imagine his surprise! Imagine his fear! An angel's visit is not the norm. Zechariah was shocked and overwhelmed with fear.' The angel's first words were, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah. God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son….
Zechariah replied incredulously. “How can I be sure that this will happen?" I'm an old man now, and my wife is also elderly." Sadly, his doubt reflected his doubt in God. How can I be sure this will happen? He didn’t think he could be used anymore. He thought ‘I can’t do this.’ He didn't believe it was possible, even with God.
The angel's response is immediate: "I am Gabriel! I am in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, because you did not believe what I told you, you will be silent and will not be able to speak until the child is born. For surely my words will be fulfilled in due time." It is as if the angel could not believe that Zechariah would even question the message. This was Gabriel, the messenger of God, who is in the very presence of God! He-God sent me to tell you this good news and you want to assurances-do you doubt what God can do? With Zechariah’s disbelief, he had to suffer silently for the next 9 months until his son was born. But boy did he celebrate once John was born! (read it in Luke 1)
God took an elderly couple; a couple who were faithful and loved Him and followed Him and He chose them to be part of the Christmas story. Zechariah was a righteous and faithful man, but he allowed his doubts and fear to get in the way of his faith. When he was given the opportunity to see an adventure with God, he saw problems. When he was given a great promise and his prayer was answered, he questioned God and His plans.
God is not afraid of our questions and does not punish us for our doubts, but He is looking for people who will totally trust Him and follow Him with their whole lives. Each of us has something we are called to do. No matter how young or old you are, you're never useless or to supposed to go and sit on the porch rocking your life away. There is no withdrawal from the Christian faith. You won't find that concept anywhere in Scripture. Moses was 80 years old when he brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born, Noah was a few hundred years old when he built the ark. Age is just a number to God.
God uses the weak, the broken, and the imperfect in the world. He can and will use you too. He has a plan for each one of you and will guide you to and through it. He asks us to bring to Him everything we have, our lunch, our blindness, our talents, our pain, and even our mistakes and He will use them to bless and strengthen someone.
Can God use you? Yes! And He will! If you feel called to be a writer, you don't need to have years of experience. Just write! If you feel called to be a speaker, you don't need a communications degree or years of experience at Toastmasters . Speak up! Whatever God calls you to do, you can trust Him to equip you for it. You don't need to rely on your own talents, skills, or abilities. Rely on God. God will give you everything you need when you need it!
God uses the weak and broken, not because they are able, but because they are available!
