The Least Likely...

Have you ever felt as if you are least likely to be used by God?

Perhaps your fears and insecurities are holding you back or preventing you from realizing the value of your gifts. If you can relate, then I hope this message will touch your heart in a way that will show you that no matter how we view ourselves, God sees us in a different light. He sees the amazing, talented, gifted child He created, and the perseverance He equipped you with. Now it's time for us to step out in faith and to embrace the significance of our gifts (no matter how small they may seem to us) by allowing God to use our gifts to bless others.

As "Her Name is Woman" by Gien Karssen's book says: "A woman who is truly free is free to be herself and can develop her character in the way God uniquely created her. Someone who is free inside is a happy person who distributes happiness. Society cannot do without these people. Such a woman doesn't feel she has to fight for her rights. She doesn't have to work hard to become somebody - she already is somebody."

It certainly could have been easy for Dorcas (a.k.a. as Tabitha) to feel that her gift of sewing wasn't valuable enough to make a difference. Acts 9:39 "Peter went with them, and when he arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them." Dorcas could have easily compared herself with other women like Miriam (a prophetess) or Deborah (a leader) and felt as if her gift would not play a large role in the history of her country. However, we know this isn't true, because she was a follower of Jesus and was explicitly called a disciple. We know she helped widows which is what we are all instructed to do. James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Faith is more than fellowship with God, one uses it to serve others. True faith expresses itself in deeds.

Acts 9:36

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.

Passages to study regarding faith, following God, and good deeds:

James 2:14-26 & Matthew 25:14-46

Friends, I want to encourage you to study what God's Word says, because Jesus uses each and every one of us to accomplish His mission. Not one of us is insignificant we all have a purpose, the only thing required of us is to obey. God will enable those who are obedient, but we need to become bold and courageous enough to say, "here I am Lord." Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!"

1 Peter 1:14-16

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Every person on this planet was uniquely created for God's purpose. Don't focus on your fears or past failures, instead focus on the fact that God has already equipped you and enabled you to accomplish His mission. Trust Him when He calls you and confidently follow His lead.

Luke 11:28

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime