To Be Used of God is My Desire

Scripture:  II Timothy 2:21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

To be used by God, a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) must take place.  Once we are saved, it is so important to keep a short account of our sins (for fellowship purposes). I John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.   God can use an ordinary, small or broken vessel, but He doesn’t use a dirty vessel.  II Timothy 2:21 (NLT) says “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean, and you’ll be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  As we are reading/studying the Word of God daily, we have to ask the Lord to give us a sense of urgency about applying the Word to our lives.  We have to do something about our convictions.  God’s word is life changing if we purpose in our hearts to apply it.
 
God uses people who are grateful!  Paul said “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord “ (Romans 12:11 NIV).  I have to continually remind myself that it is a privilege/honor to serve the Lord.  Just think – He actually chose us before the foundation of the world to have a personal relationship with Him; and He wants to actually use us for His glory!!! We are here for God’s purpose – to please Him – to be a part of His family, created to be like Christ, and molded/shaped for His service/mission!!  Philippians 2:13-16 says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain neither, labored in vain.”

God’s purposes for our lives are far greater than our trials.  Don’t give up when it gets difficult, tough, or challenging.  Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.  Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
I am still amazed how the Lord continues to use Robert and I even as we are getting older. Several times within the last two months, Robert preached at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church (where we invited Jesus Christ into our lives in 1978) and I sang.  What a privilege and *joy bomb* that has been for us!! Being there reminded me of a song that Sis. Delores Smoot (who has gone on to Heaven) and I sang together entitled “To Be Used of God is My Desire”.  The words, which are very dear to my heart, are as follows:

Verse one:
I’ve a yearning in my heart that cannot be denied.
It’s a longing that has never yet been satisfied.
I want the world to know the One who loves them so;
Like a flame it’s burning deep inside.

Verse two:
When I think about the shortness of my earthly years.
I remember all the wasted days, the wasted tears.
I long to preach the Word to those who’ve never heard
Of the One who can dispel all fears.

Refrain:
To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray.
To be used of God to show someone the way.
I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire.
To be used of God is my desire.
We all have desires and goals, but is your ultimate desire to be used of God?  What a privilege!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for saving me, and for still using me for Your glory!  I count it a privilege!  Help me to be so in tune with You that I will be sensitive/obedient to however you lead me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

By Marsha Williams