You Used Me!                                         04-22-16

2 Corinthians 1:12 (ESV) ¹²  For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

Have you ever felt like that? Like what Ronnie? You know, like someone had used you. They had taken unfair advantage of you. Probably the better word is misused, but we usually choose the other don't we? You know, if it were just once, that would be O.K. But, it seems that some folk owe their existence to the singular fact of using you. Ever feel like that? I bet you have. I know I have. Remember, in this life, we can be givers or we can be takers, our choice. Anyway, here's a perspective on being used that you might want to consider. 

You see brothers and sisters, in the church world today, the phrase "used by God" is many times characterized by huge ministries, run by charismatic personalities on television, radio and the internet. We see posts on Facebook showing all the miracles and accomplishments of these various ministries. Great sermons preached on power, faith, kingdom, healings, victory, abundance and the goodness of God explode in the pulpits and airwaves all over this land. That however, gives me pause from time to time as I consider this: the sticking point with that message is that it does not seem to be a universal message does it? That doesn't preach in Syria, Iraq, south Sudan or in most of the world does it? I was surprised to hear recently that the message is falling flat in western Europe these days. It seems to be a uniquely  "made in America" phenomenon. Do I sound too harsh? I don't mean to be. On the contrary, God is SOVEREIGN and He can get the Gospel message out anyway He so chooses. It is none of my or anyone else's business to cast a disparaging comment towards any of the ministers of the Gospel. That is entirely God's concern.  That being said, the question being raised today in my mind is this:   "How does God "use" the rest of us?"  

Did you ever consider that you are being mightily used of God in the simplest of ways? How so Ronnie? In your everyday life, that's how. Just in the way that you conduct your life. I try and stay away from cliches, but this is appropriate for today. We are the only Bible some people will read today aren't we?

You see the writer of the majority of the New Testament had this singular boast. Look again.

2 Corinthians 1:12 (ESV) ¹²  For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.


Maybe, just maybe, God IS MIGHTILY using you today! Uh...hmm... how so Ronnie? It sure doesn't look like it to me!! Just this. Remember that person that used and misused you last week? When you responded by God's Grace in love towards them. When you didn't let the offense become an OFFENSE in your heart. When you allowed the Holy Spirit full reign in your heart, and you went on about your's and God's business undeterred. Wait a minute Ronnie........I didn't respond like that. I let it get to me. Oh yeah I feel ya. Take heart. I can guarantee there will be another opportunity!!

Could it be that God IS MIGHTILY using you and your constant faith in circumstances of lack instead of abundance? Is He MIGHTILY using you and your constant faith in circumstances of endurance and persecution, instead of temporal victory?

You see, brothers and sisters, it wasn't about accomplishment or abundance. It wasn't about power this or victorious that,  that the Apostle Paul boasted in. It was about the TESTIMONY OF HIS AND BY ROTE OUR CONSCIENCE. It is knowing that God is indeed SOVEREIGN; and because of the Blood of The Lord Jesus we are ALREADY OVERCOMERS no matter our earthly circumstances. It is knowing that God is in complete control of our lives and we don't allow the world to dictate to us on it's terms.   It is how we behave in the face of circumstances both good and evil. It is allowing God to use us in whatever comes our way. You gettin my drift? Read carefully the following passage.

Hebrews 10:32-36 (ESV) ³²  But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings,
³³  sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.
³⁴  For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
³⁵  Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
³⁶  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Don't think that God has used or is now using you? Think again. 

Psalm 119:125 (ESV) ¹²⁵  I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!



God Bless