Listen to Audio Devotion
Three friends took a walk in the evening, and each began to share their plans for the future about who they wanted to be and what they would like to accomplish. As each shared their plans, one among them said, “I just want to be used by God.” I know you both have these great ideas and plans but I just want to be used by God. I want to be a person who will become whatever God desires. This statement left the other two friends silent for a moment because in all the plans they had…they didn’t think, “I want to be used by God.”
Quite often we might find ourselves in a similar place where instead of thinking what God wants from us, we prioritize our plans and thoughts for life.
There’s a Passage in
Philippians 3:12 NIV
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Paul’s Life can be divided into two different parts. Life before and after his encounter with Jesus. Before the transformation, Paul was a different person. He was Pharisee, He persecuted Christians. It was a big mission to destroy the church. He was very zealous for his religion. In one book he writes, “He was advancing in Judaism more than others of his age”. But after this transformation, something changed. The change was, “He wanted to be used by God.” Earlier he lived life on his terms but now he desired to be used by God.
That’s why he says, “I want to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” In other words, I want to be useful for Jesus. Why does he say that? He says it because he understood the value of having Christ in his life. He says in verse,
Philippians 3:8 NIV
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Earlier his goal was to become someone great in his religion. But now, he desired that he would be used by God.
I wonder what your goal is, you may be young just fresh out of college or elderly, retired from years of work. Whatever stage of life, you can make this your prayer! I want to be used by God.
God will use you for his glory!
Let’s Pray
Father, use us as you will. Help us to be surrendered to you and help us to live life where we will always be available for the master’s use. Help us. In Jesus’ name.