Too Plain for the Palace?

There are times I have read Christian literature, listened to testimonies and sermons, and hear about how God has transformed these people’s lives. And instead of feeling happy or rejoicing for their victories, there are times I am bitter and think, when are you going to use me, Lord? Is my beginning not tragic enough and if that is the case, does that mean my story is too plain to be shared?

Picture people, you know God is using them. When you think of these people, do you picture yourself? Why not?

One of the pitfalls we face as Christians is thinking we can dictate whether God uses us or not. With utterances such as ‘I am too flawed, I did not grow up in a Christian home, I am an introvert, I am not brave, I cheated on my partner, I have no connections, I am just me…’ We say these things as if they are justifiable excuses. Well, I share with you the lives of several people who were arguably undeserving of God’s plans or too plain. But that’s debatable…

Hannah

A wife loved and highly favoured by her husband but finds herself barren. Because of the latter, she was constantly provoked by her husband’s other wife to tears. She prayed and bargained with God for a son promising to dedicate him to God. A prayer that was heard and fulfilled. From a barren wife to the mother of Samuel – a man who would play a key role in the Israelites’ transition from the judges to rule by a King and so much more.

Joseph

One of 12 sons to Jacob, was loved more than all his other brothers and was highly favoured by his father. Special treatment and favourtism is never good sign amongst siblings but Joseph would arguably flaunt this in his brother’s face, snitching to his dad (which is a complete violation of the siblings’ code). Arguably, some can describe Joseph as a spoiled brat who had it coming. But this did not stop God from using him. His story would carry on to show God’s grace from the pits to the palace.

A few more examples:

• Mary was only a young bride-to-be
• Abraham was an old man
• David concealed his adultery with murder.
• Jacob was a pathological deceiver.
• Moses had a stuttering problem
• Rahab was a prostitute
• Samson was a womaniser

It is reassuring when you hear that others experience the same struggle as you. But what is more reassuring is seeing God use people of such diverse beginnings. We may try to judge whether a person’s first page is deserving of God’s plan but ultimately He is the author and finisher of our faith and He does not discriminate in who He chooses. 

So if you are feeling left out or not enough, take reassurance that God does not need you to be in a high place to use you. He wants you as you are. However, that may be. So call out to Him and watch Him transform your life beyond your expectations.  I encourage you today to pursue the caller rather than the calling because when he calls you He WILL equip you.

 

Isaiah 43:1-4 

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
    O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
² When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
³ For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom;
    I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
⁴ Others were given in exchange for you.
    I traded their lives for yours
because you are precious to me.
    You are honored, and I love you.