Being Used

Dear Lord; Good morning Father!

On my way to a client’s office this morning, I was listening to the local contemporary Christian radio station and they were airing a piece about an outreach program they’d conducted a couple weeks ago.  During the clip they played, one of the participants was discussing how wonderful it was that You used that event to reach out to those who were in need.

That got me thinking Father… The idea of “being used” usually has such a negative connotation in the context of our earthly relationships, and yet as Christians we yearn for You to use us.

If we examine Your Word, we find that even Your enemies are used to accomplish Your Works.  For example, in the story of Exodus You not only used Moses to bring the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, but You also used Pharaoh as well :

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.  You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”” – Exodus 7:1-5 (NIV)

By manipulating Pharaoh and hardening his heart, You used him to make Your Might known to the Egyptians.  Even those that stand against you in doubt and defiance may be used for Your Purpose.

For those who follow You however Father, there is no greater joy than being used for Your Divine Works; to be Your emissary, Your instrument and Your servant.

Use me Lord.  Lead me.  Let me be Your Hands.  Let me shine Your Light for all to see.  This is my prayer, today and every day.

Amen.

~Phather Phil