It is amazing that God really does use broken people. He uses the broken to help other people, and I can testify to that personally. As we go through life, we are a work in progress and even the most mature Christians are still broken this side of eternity.
Throughout the Bible we see God using imperfect people for the sake of His mission to bring hope to the world. I never quite understood why Jesus chose some of the individuals He did, but God does know more than I do. He didn’t call the popular, rich or successful to further His ministry, but rather, the poor, broken and faithful. I can only imagine how confused the Pharisees and religious leaders must have been as they saw who Jesus picked as disciples. They were a team of misfits with nothing to lose but everything to gain with God.
From an outside perspective, we can see that it didn’t matter where people were from, what they had done, or who they use to be. Jesus used all people for the good of His will. Don’t believe me? Here are some examples of people that were used for the greatness of His glory.
God’s broken people:
- Abraham – Was old.
- Joseph – Was prideful
- Moses – Was a murderer.
- Gideon – Was afraid.
- Rahab – Was a prostitute.
- Samaritan Woman – Divorced.
- Jeremiah – Was very young when called by God.
- Jacob – Was a cheater.
- David – Was a murderer.
- Jonah – Ran from God.
- Peter – Denied Christ three times
- The Disciples – Fell asleep while praying when Jesus needed them the most.
- Paul – A Pharisee who persecuted Christians before becoming one.
As we pick up our story Moses had just committed murder and fled a great distance to Midian.
15 And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well. 16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters who came as usual to draw water and fill the water troughs for their father’s flocks. 17 But some other shepherds came and chased them away. So Moses jumped up and rescued the girls from the shepherds. Then he drew water for their flocks. 18 When the girls returned to Reuel, their father, he asked, “Why are you back so soon today?” 19 “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they answered. “And then he drew water for us and watered our flocks.”[1] Exodus 2:15-19
Although Moses was a broken person, the Lord used him to rescue these young women at the well. Little did Moses know that this act of compassion would lead his life in the direction the Lord wanted it to go.
God wants to use you!
If you ever feel like you aren’t worthy enough to be used by God, let alone loved by Him, just remember that Jesus used group of flawed people to share hope to a flawed and broken world. We find renewal, healing, and purpose in God. Jesus didn’t call the equipped, He equipped the called. And no matter what you’ve been through in life, remember that the same power that conquered the grave lives within you. You are worthy of life. You are worthy of God’s love. You are worthy of joy. You are worthy of a fulfilling purpose that will take you places you never imagined reaching.
To hear more about the story of Moses, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/the-footsteps-of-moses/gods-wise-timing
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ex 2:14–19). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.