Being Used By God…Despite Perception and Situation

Not much has changed over time. There is even the phrase, ‘nothing new under the sun’. This I believe is true when it concerns us, life situations and God using us for good.

So many people over the years have questioned God when things look hard or disasters happen. I believe it is all a matter of perception.

There is so much more to this life…

We get so busy each day with all of our ‘dailies’ and with dealing with people and situations. Sometimes, sometimes our focus can get on these things and we get weary and wonder why? We also wonder – where is God. Then, perhaps we wonder, why me and can’t God use someone else?

There’s a pretty good example of someone used by God in the Bible who had this very same perspective of thought.

Gideon

“The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joashthe Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you,mighty warrior.”  “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”  The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”  “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”  The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”  Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me.  Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” Judges 6:11-18

The Israelites had been in and out of favor with God for decades. Yet, God came back again and again to restore and repair Israel and their relationship. God allowed events to happen, most of the time as a result of Israel’s rebellion.

Then he called Gideon. Gideon could only see what was before him and current events. He doubted that God could/would do something good – through him.

I love the response in this passage, ‘Pardon me Lord…but if the LORD is with us… why did all this happen’. Can we find in ourselves similar thoughts. Have we thought, why is this happening now; why is this happening to me? Not all events are punishment. Each person and event over time is like a piece of a puzzle. Each has to be put in place and each fit to bring about the ‘big picture’. What is the big picture…

One day, all who call upon Jesus as Savior will all be with God. Those who don’t will be separated. God gives the choice to each individual. Also, a lot of what is occurring in this world is as a result of decisions each have made.

All of the events God told us would come to pass. 

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for ^[a]all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, ^[b]pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” Matthew 24:6-7

So, when we hear about all these things; and because of technology today, we hear about it nearly as it happens and in a 24-hour cycle. We are inundated with all that is going on. Yet, these things will happen. Difficult and hard times will and may come to us too. Then, God may ask of us to do something for Him or for others…would we doubt like Gideon? Would we only see the bad that has gone on around us? Or, would we ask for ‘signs‘ as did Gideon?

I think God places these events and stories in His Word to give us an example of others who have gone through things and have felt as we might. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and we can’t see the end of the tunnel – or good coming out of it. Sometimes we doubt that we have in us anything that can be used by God…

But, it’s perspective. We have limited sight. God, on the other hand, sees it all. He sees the past, our past, our current state and our future. He sees that for all. All of the pieces are there to fall into place for the big picture. Will you be willing to have your piece used as God would see fit? Would you doubt God could use you?

God chooses whom He will…He’s not looking for perfect people – just willing people. People who are willing to love Him completely and to love others. When called for a task – whether big or small will you answer?

Let’s remember to take time to be with God through His Word and through Prayer. Let’s take time to be with people, especially the people of Faith. Let’s get out there and see others; let’s remember to be kind. Let’s see what good we can do each day – let’s all with joy find grace for today and demonstrate to others the tremendous wonder of knowing God…as we are here and now…and look forward to that day that will begin eternity with Him…when the big picture has been complete and Life with Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirt and our fellow believers begins.