God works through sinners, revealing His patience and compassion. Have you ever felt unworthy when God used you in some way during your Christian life? If so, you are not alone! God doesn’t need our help in the world, but He chooses to work with us nonetheless. This can be puzzling to some until they read God’s word. The Lord desires to engage us in His work, helping us learn about Him and our purpose in the world.
God commanded Noah to build the Ark to save his family, yet he became drunk on wine shortly after they began a new life following the flood. Jonah fled from God when called to go to Nineveh to preach against their sin. It took a massive storm, being thrown overboard, and being swallowed by a large fish before he reconsidered his mission. Peter denied Jesus three times the day before the crucifixion. Paul calls himself the least of the Apostles because, before his conversion, he persecuted the church. Abraham is a person of great faith, but he grew impatient while waiting for the child the Lord promised. As they aged, Sarah suggested having a child with Hagar, their servant, and he agreed.
Sinners are on a Journey of Faith
For believers in Jesus, life is marked by both ups and downs. I wish my faith journey was always on a linear path upward, but it is not. There have been times when I felt stagnant, yet other times I made great strides. When I was a young pastor, I had much to learn; unfortunately, you don’t start as a seasoned pastor. Over time, the Lord grinds the rough edges off us as He refines us, but this process is not just a one-year endeavor; instead, it spans our entire lifetime.
Paul gives us advice for our faith journey. Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1] When we are young in our faith, we may not be overly concerned about God’s will, yet God patiently continues to work. In God’s mercy, He gives us the Holy Spirit, our constant companion, to guide us, reveal truths to us, and convict us of sin.
Abraham Was a Father at Age 100
At the old age of one hundred, God began a new chapter in the life of Abraham when their son Isaac was born. After years of refinement, God continued to work with a sinner like Abraham, just as He works with us in our lives.
Regardless of your age, God wants to work through you to transform you and make a difference in the world. I have known first graders who lead people to faith and elderly individuals who are vibrant prayer warriors. As the body of Christ, we are imperfect, but with God working in and through us, we can accomplish the plans He has for us.
God works through sinners, to find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/gods-faithfulness-in-our-lives
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 12:2). Tyndale House Publishers.