Uselessness? Usefulness!

Scriptures: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be preachers, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”’ (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Recently, I read from an article a testimony of a servant of God. He was born with genetic problems. When he was born, the doctor told his mom that he would not be able to talk, nor walk and he would not be able to live long.

So, upon hearing this, his mom went to God in prayer requesting that, if this baby was not going to be a useful vessel to the Lord, God receive him back to heaven immediately. If this baby was still alive the next day, then that would be a confirmation that God has a different plan for him. When the next day came, the baby was still alive. So, the mother knew that God was going to heal him.

When he was two, he started to walk. At three, he could talk. By the time he was six, he was completely healed. More than that, he was given the gift of perfect pitch and, throughout his life, he dedicated his musical gifts to worshiping God and brought great revival to the lives of many.

Who could have known the plan of God on this baby? But God saw to it that his life was preserved, nurtured, and equipped so that the name of God may be glorified, just as Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

This is definitely an amazing story and, throughout the history of God’s people, there are many other amazing stories like this one. But, what I took away from this story was that, as tragic and impossible as it appeared to be when he was born, God had a special plan for him and had prepared all the gifts he needs in life for that plan to be successfully completed.

If God has a plan for such a baby who did not seem to have any chance in life, then for those of us who are so well developed and functional in every aspects, what kind of plan or plans would God has for us? Maybe we don’t have the perfect pitch he had. Maybe we don’t have the creativity of Thomas Edison. Maybe we don’t have the writing skills of William Shakespeare. But, surely there is something we can do for our.

By God’s grace, we have been called for “works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11) In other words, each one of us has been called to minister and, when all of us respond to this calling of services, the body of Christ will be built up.

What is it that we can do for Him? If we can sing, then let’s dedicate our voices to the praises of Him. If we can paint, then let’s dedicate our talents to the presentation of the beauty and majesty of His creation and presence in our lives. If we can write, then let’s devote our writings to the sharing of the amazing grace He has in store for all His beloved people.

Even if we cannot do any of the above, I am sure we can dial a telephone. Let’s pick up our phone and call someone to tell them about this amazing story where “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

What is it that we can do for Him? I am sure if we come and humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father, submit our whole life to Him and ask Him to guide us in finding the gifts He has in store for us, we will find the gifts we can dedicate to Him for His glory!

Prayer Requests:
For those agonizing over the future of their children

Prayer:
Aba Father, help us to first of all be willing to submit our lives to You for Your use. Then, and only then, help us to see the gifts and the opportunities in which we can dedicate all these gifts for Your glory because we desire that the name of Jesus be exalted in our lives, in our homes, in our churches, and in our work places. Hear our prayers as we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!