Who, Me?
It’s equally fascinating and encouraging who God uses to complete his will and further his kingdom. Scriptures are filled with countless examples of sinners turned saints, the least of these becoming great in service for the Lord.
The enemy is actively trying to discourage us. He wants us to focus on our past failings or current things we view as limitations. He tries to highlight our shortcomings so we shudder from our calling.
I have to think that so many had their own Who, Me? moments.
Esther becoming queen… Who, Me? A jewish woman? Esther 2
Peter after the resurrection… Who, Me?…that denied Jesus three times. John 21
Paul on the road to Damascus… Who, Me?…that persecuted Christians. Acts 9
Where God calls, he equips. Where God guides, he provides. Whatever doubts, fears, or failings may hold us back, we can trust in the Lord to equip us!
God not only calls the imperfect or unlikely… he also calls and uses those he knows will have future struggles. And not to sugarcoat it – by struggles, I mean SIN! What an encouragement! God not only knows our past – but he knows our future! Jesus saved us while we were yet sinners… God calls and equips us to serve in his kingdom, knowing we will continue to mess up! Take heart, friends, perfection isn’t a requirement for God to use you!
Most of us know the story of Noah, one who faithfully walked with the Lord, and he is remembered in the Hebrews lineup of faith heroes.
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7
Noah was obedient – even when it didn’t make sense to everyone around him. I wonder if he had his own thoughts of Who, Me? or Do What? But he continued to answer God’s call. And not just for a day… he worked on the “pointless project” as some likely called it – for DECADES! Because of his obedient service, humanity and animals were saved from extinction from the flood.
What you may not know, is after the Flood, after the rainbow, and after God’s covenant with Noah, Noah messed up. Genesis 9 doesn’t outline all the details – did he get too comfortable and it was a slow fade into sin, or was it an impulsive, out of character moment of sin? Either way, this wasn’t a surprise to God, all knowing and all powerful, he knew all along that Noah was going to fall into sin. When Noah was measuring wood and counting cubits, gathering two of each animal, God knew that years later, Noah would fall into drunkenness and nakedness.
What an encouragement that God calls us, has plans for us, despite our past, and despite what he knows about our future! Noah’s sin impacted generations to come, and bible scholars conclude that Noah repented of his sins, as God later identified Noah as one of three of the most righteous men (Ezekiel 14). I’m so grateful for a forgiving God that provided salvation through Jesus.
As I was preparing to put thoughts on paper this week, I also had swirling thoughts of what Noah thought of himself after he fell into sin. Did he doubt the Lord’s calling in his life? And how Noah was judged after his sin? Did his family and community discredit all of his years of obedience and faithfulness because of his current sin? Did they think God made a mistake in choosing Noah to build the ark? I can’t imagine that…but I also find our current culture (myself included) painting with a broad brush, or casting judgement on Christians that fall into sin – even after repentance. These thoughts are still swirling in my mind and I don’t have it all figured out, but I am so glad that this true story of Noah is included in scriptures – all of it.
Where does this land on you today? Are you being called in a direction that you are unsure you’re able to fulfill? Concerned with how other may perceive you? Have you been asking Who, Me? Are you letting the voice of the enemy distract you with your past? We have the power to remind Satan of his future! And if you have sought forgiveness for your sin, you can trust in God’s promises of cleansing and forgiveness. He knows our hearts.
Let’s boldly move forward, with a focus on what God knows about us, and let go of what others think they know about us.
