Do you have doubts that you could do something for God? Do you wonder what He might possibly find valuable in you?
If He has already called you to be His, He certainly has plans for your life. It is His joy to see you flourish in the Kingdom, becoming a faithful, faith-filled servant.
But chances are, it isn’t easy being you—let alone a faithful, faith-filled servant.
Believe me, I know. I don’t know you, of course—not in any personal way.
But still—I know.
Remember—I’m living with me. The sometimes clueless, occasionally careless, frequently inadequate and utterly imperfect individual that I am.
I struggle. I suffer. I screw up. I walk in weakness. And sometimes, I wonder what God might possibly find valuable in me.
But when I read God’s word, I’m convinced that He is crazy about me. He would go to the ends of the earth for little old me. Because, as a matter of fact, He died for me.
We need to remember the truth—His truth—about ourselves.
It doesn’t matter how we feel about our imperfections, our weaknesses, our limitations, or our pain. The truth is: God has always planned to use us for His glory, and call us into service for the purposes of His kingdom.
Believe me—I have my own mental mirror, just like yours. As I squint at myself, it doesn’t seem logical that God would use me.
But our God isn’t logical. He’s life changing.
God defies our logic. He calls out to the “whosoever wills.” He often passes over the self-assured, self-reliant, self-capable—the winning personalities of this world. He already knows their hearts. If they have little intention of doing anything beyond themselves, He doesn’t bother to call them.
The “whosoever wills” often arrive at His feet, broken. But God is always delighted to receive a broken one. A broken one is incredibly valuable to Him.
You, broken one, are incredibly valuable to God. And He never lets a broken one go to waste.
He plans to defy all logic, and use your life—your teachable, reachable, restorable life.
Let me share with you just a handful of examples of people who found themselves being called into God’s service. They were all very different from one another, and yet shared one thing in common:
They were broken.
Noah (A Radical From Out of Nowhere)
Who was this man called Noah, who spent years constructing an ark for humanity? In the book of Genesis, he seems to appear from out of nowhere. We aren’t given a lot of information about him or his family.
But we can imagine what he and his family must have been up against. Noah—among the stark contrast of the Godless, lawless society of his time—stood out sharply. Not because he was some great leader, or some mighty man, or even someone gifted with great talent.
Noah stood out because He loved God, and listened to Him.
“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.” (Genesis 6:9-12)
Little is known about this man Noah, aside from the daunting task given to him by God to do the impossible. The unthinkable. To build an enormous boat in a world that had never seen a flood, or even rain.
There was no hiding a giant boat, and there was no hiding his giant faith. He surely appeared ridiculous, or even insane. Imagine the constant interrogations, mocking, scorn and ridicule this man must have endured.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of God. Within his generation, filled with violence and every evil imagination—it seems obvious that he was tested by the fiery trials of such perverse surroundings.
But Noah purposed to keep himself and his family away from the wickedness of such dark times. We can realize that Noah—who otherwise might never have been regarded as anyone special—was extremely special to the heart of God.
God had called, and Noah had listened well. Genesis tells us that Noah was a just (righteous) man, who was perfected over generations of time, and that he walked with God. Naturally, God had an important assignment for such a friend.
And there, in the fullness of his time, Noah would be used by God to save humanity—through his radical obedience, and his willingness to believe in the One who calls.
Gideon (A Hidden Hero)
We find Gideon in chapter 6 of the book of Judges. He was hiding beside a winepress, attempting to squirrel away a little food from his enemies, when an angel appeared to him.
It was an oppressive time in Israel’s history, as the armies of their enemy, the Midianites, constantly surrounded them and plundered their crops. Israel was practically starved by that time, and they cried out to the Lord to save them.
God was going to do just that, but it would involve a very unlikely hero. It would involve bringing out that one man, hidden there—into the open plans of the Almighty God.
“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?”
“And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:12-13a, 14-16)
Gideon certainly held no illusions about himself. He considered his place in life to be the least of the lowest. What can a man possibly be, if he starts out there?
But God knew the true character of the man within. He had placed within Gideon a heart of valor, to be able to rise up mightily at the appointed time. Gideon was actually God’s hidden weapon against the opposing forces that surrounded Israel.
But Gideon, frustrated and fearful, had no idea what he might be capable of—until God’s call to action came. And suddenly, there was a man in the midst of Israel, commissioned by Almighty God to save them.
Forsaking his fears and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon believed—and rose to the challenge placed before him. He is yet another example that even the lowest, least likely of us may be that very one destined for greatness—if we are willing to rise to the call of God.
David (A Lonely Heart Set Apart)
Young David wasn’t savvy about the complicated matters of this world. As a shepherd, his life was often one of isolation. It was limited. But as he tended his sheep, under the crisp, starry canopy of the wilderness, he did learn some valuable life experiences.
The story opens in 1 Samuel Chapter 16. By then, things were a real mess. King Saul had sinned against the Lord, and had been rejected as Israel’s king. But God already had a replacement in mind.
No one saw it coming. Even the prophet Samuel had no idea what was about to transpire.
“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:
for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
“And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep.
And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.
And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” (1 Samuel 16:6-7, 11-12)
Lowly esteemed and barely regarded by family, all were stunned and amazed by God’s choice for a king on that day. But God wasn’t. Because He had been out on those hillsides with young David, as he faithfully tended to his sheep. And God knew his heart.
Out in the loneliness of that desert place, David had quietly learned to hear the voice of God, and to trust Him with his life—and the lives of the little ones placed into his care. When a lion came—and later, a bear came—to steal, kill and destroy, the very Spirit of the Lord was upon David.
And he defeated those enemies—by the power of God.
Soon, David’s greatest challenge would come—the giant called “Goliath,” who taunted Israel’s army. But David, having already witnessed the presence and power of Almighty God in his young life, would arise to take down Goliath—with nothing but a slingshot.
A giant was no match for this young man, who was after God’s own heart. Could it be that little has changed? God still approaches those who have a heart which runs after Him—and He calls them unto His mighty purposes.
The Samaritan Woman at the Well (An Unlikely Evangelist)
The apostle John describes this account, in Chapter 4 of the book of John. The Samaritan city was Sychar, which is where Jacob’s well is found. And for this lonely woman who came that day, Jacob’s well proved to be an ideal backdrop for Christ’s perfect illustration of “living water.”
We really don’t receive much personal information about her. But Jesus reveals His knowledge that she has been married five times, and the man she was currently with was not married to her.
This was no chance meeting—Jesus had actually changed His route, in order to be at the well that day. And the very call of God defined that forgotten one, as He purposely placed her life into God’s service.
“Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” (John 4:6-10)
“The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:25-26)
“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.” (John 4:39)
Her life certainly had taken some wrong turns. It is difficult to know whether this woman at the well—pained by the shame and the sorrow of her past—was a scoundrel, or a victim. Her circumstances are unknown to us.
Whatever her reasons, we find her at the well, at about the “sixth hour” of the day—a time that was much too hot for most to be out seeking water. It was probably her way of avoiding people. Because she was considered of little value, within that society—the least of women. And she certainly wouldn’t have been regarded as anyone to listen to.
But thankfully, God’s value system is vastly different than our own. It was not by chance that the Son of God would encounter her that day. And as they talked, it is revealed that this life-worn individual knew and understood the promises of God. Despite not being a Jew, she had hope in her heart for the coming Messiah.
When Jesus finally reveals Himself to her, she does something extraordinary. She hurries back into the town—the very place where she generally was not very well-received or accepted. And, in her excitement and amazement, she joyfully broadcasts the good news she has received.
What a powerful, irrefutable word she gave them. And the town came marching out to meet this man by the well. They listened, and believed—and received their Lord and Christ. Today she might be regarded as an evangelist. Because of her testimony, her hometown would never be the same.
How amazing to view this most unlikely of evangelists—who seemed to be forgotten there, by the well. But she was found, and she was called—by the Master, who met her there.
Joni Eareckson Tada (A Broken Warrior)
Many people know about a lovely woman named Joni Eareckson Tada. If you haven’t, I encourage you to search for her (I will provide a link to a short video on her website at the end of this post.)
Beautiful and capable, right within the prime of her life, Joni might have become almost anything.
But tragedy struck her early on, and dashed whatever hopes or dreams she may have had. A diving accident—one reckless moment in time—had resulted in quadriplegia.
She became suicidal, and almost succumbed to depression. But God took her crushed heart, ruined life, and the brokenness of her tragedy, and turned it into the sweetest aroma of perfume that ascends to heavenly places.
Her surrender to God’s plan allowed God to use her in extraordinary ways that He never could have, had she remained able. Her ministry, “Joni and Friends,” has reached millions around the world for Christ. She has glorified God through her artwork, speeches, singing and many books.
But Joni would agree that the greatest miracle in her life was the one which occurred in her heart.
“My wheelchair was the key to seeing all this happen, especially since God’s power always shows up best in weakness. So here I sit—glad that I have not been healed on the outside, but glad that I have been healed on the inside. Healed from my own self-centered wants and wishes.”
“This is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I’ll be in celebration , a glorified body, in a whole different set of circumstances. But this is my limited window of opportunity, and I’m going to fight the good fight for all I’m worth.”
“I’d rather be in this wheelchair knowing God, than on my feet without him.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)
On top of quadriplegia, Joni has recently battled cancer and chronic pain. Yet she continues to “fight the good fight.” Only God can fully see the enormous effect this one quadriplegic woman has had on this world, for the Kingdom. And only God can truly understand the pleasure that one such broken warrior brings to Him.
Ken (Just Me, Learning Obedience)
I have my problems. But in spite of myself, God seems to find new opportunities to use me. Here is an example of that, which most would probably not find particularly amazing. But it was a significant turning point for me.
Some years ago, my home church had offered a weekly evangelism class. It provided scripture, skills training, and written materials, to share with those whom we would be reaching out to. The class went on for several weeks, and at the end we split up into small teams to canvass the sections of town.
I went with several others to our local mall, and it was a good experience. That would have been the end of it, except that I felt a strong prompting from the Lord to continue. So I made at least two more trips to that mall by myself, during weekends and evenings.
I had grown up with a lot of low self-esteem issues, and I doubted my abilities at most things. I used to call myself, “just a nobody from nowhere,” supposing that to be a humble title.
But I soon began to learn—as I stepped out in faith, to witness Jesus Christ to others—that God was not so pleased with my assessment of my self-worth. I came to understand that, while it is good to be humble, true humility is to place my full confidence in God, and believe I am “a somebody” in Him.
My mall time was a real eye-opener, as I practiced obedience to God. I had found new courage in my new humility, and the enemy was being defeated. A few more weeks went by, and my longing to test new boundaries was still with me.
It was a Saturday afternoon when I drove downtown, determined to discover if God had more plans for me. I had explained my strategy to God (as if He didn’t know—ha!) My plan was to drive downtown by faith, and just let God impress upon me the exact place to stop and share.
I have to tell you—I was a little apprehensive, but full of anticipation to find Him faithful.
It took a while. I drove up and down several city streets, but really didn’t sense anything special. Finally, I came to an intersection where a large older building stood, about eight stories high and a whole block wide. I was impressed upon that this was the place.
Being the shy sort, I opted for the back entrance. I stood in the corner, waiting for an opportunity from the Lord. A few people came in, and just went on past me, going into the elevator.
I waited a while more.
Suddenly, a teenage boy, about 15 or 16 years old, came through the doors. I prayed.
“Lord, if this is the one you have, then make him stay here. I’m going to wait a couple of minutes more. And if he’s still here, I’ll know that he’s the one.”
His name was Ollie. And he was “the one.”
The young man looked around, as if he couldn’t decide what to do. Then he moved back to the glass exit doors, looking through them at the street. But he didn’t leave.
So I waited a little longer.
My heart was pounding, and I knew I couldn’t wait any more. I nervously approached him.
“Can I share something with you?” “Okay,” he said. I pulled out my little gospel tract, and read it to him. I asked him a couple of questions, and explained a few more things. Then I confronted him with the decision.
To my surprise and delight, he said “yes” without hesitation, and prayed a simple prayer of salvation to receive Jesus.
I was startled by how ready this young man was to know Christ. No doubt, someone before me had sown good seed, and someone else had watered it along the way.
And I was the one privileged to harvest this young life before me.
Determined to help all I could, I invited him to ride with me to church the next day. My wife and I took him with us to church for the next few months. My own life felt elevated to be part of Ollie’s life, even in this small way.
Eventually, he thanked me for all I had done, and explained that he wanted to attend another Christian church with his friends. So I simply wished him well, and said goodbye.
And I never saw him again.
But wouldn’t you know it—the Lord, who knows all things, wasn’t just going to let me wonder for the rest of my life.
It might have been a year or so later, when my own teenage son approached me saying, “Dad, remember Ollie?” He continued with a smile.
“Well, he’s really something. He’s been telling people all over town about Jesus.”
There are no words to explain to you just how I felt then, and how much that meant to me. How that moment affects me, even now. And how it has affected the rest of my life. Graciously, the Lord had allowed me to have a glimpse of the fruit of my faith.
As Ollie took his new faith in Christ and ran with it, there’s no doubt he has reached many, many more people than I ever could have. People outside my sphere of influence, who I could have never personally met. People—who reached people, who reached people. One day, I will meet them all—and reunite with Ollie, as well.
It’s almost more than my mind can take in—these purposes of God, which utilize the “whosoever wills” of this world. These calls of God—calling us at our opportune moment in time—to produce an offering of obedient faith.
We—the most unlikely ones—are empowered to rise up, and become the plans and purposes of an Almighty Creator.
“Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
Who are called? The weak things of this world—to confound the mighty.
And I know now that it is these same weaknesses, these inadequacies, and even the disappointments of our lives, which become the fertile fields for God’s glory. His strength and His purpose produce a harvest of righteousness, where there may have been none—except for the loss of ourselves, to be found by Him who calls us.
You (Waiting With Your Wings)
What will your testimony be? What will God plant in your fertile field—your weakness, your smallness, your limitations, your suffering, your disappointments, and even your mistakes—for His glory?
Can you believe that you are the called of God—and needed more than ever—within these last days in which we now live?
If you will dare to believe that, then act on it. Be that “whosoever will” whom God is waiting for.
Stand your ground, and resist the enemy. Resist the evil in the land, and overcome it through Christ. Keep your heart and your life well-prepared for God’s purposes.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Too often, we read this verse and think about ourselves—our own life, and our own survival. But someone else’s life—maybe even their very survival—is depending on you.
You may feel completely inadequate, weak, and “not ready,” but God is faithful. He knows very well how to bring you into His purposes, within His perfect timing.
Someone else’s life is depending on you. Live like it.
And when He comes calling for you, you won’t have to wonder, doubt or fear. You will just know.
And in His strength, you’ll be ready and able to go—and do, and be—everything your God is asking of you. Because God will make you into the “whosoever will” He has always planned for you to be.
You. Broken. Valuable. And called for glory.