Becoming Useful
READ: John 5:19-23
Jesus was fully God, yet He was fully man. As a man, His power, wisdom, and grace flowed not from His divine nature but from His utter dependence on God. “The Son can do nothing of Himself,” He said (John 5:19). How much did Jesus do apart from God? Nothing!
Jesus always depended on His Father. Luke reports that as news of Jesus’ ministry spread, “Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:15-16). He knew He needed those quiet times to restore His soul.
What’s done in secret is what matters. It’s during those quiet times that we, like Jesus, are shaped and molded and made into people that God can put to His intended use.
“But,” you say, “I’m in a place where I can’t be useful.” Perhaps you feel that circumstances limit you drastically. Illness, financial problems, a difficult boss or co-worker, or an uncooperative family member seem to conspire against you. Whatever your situation, use it to grow closer to the Savior.
Learn to have utter dependence on the Father, just as Jesus did. Leave it up to God to make you useful in whatever way He sees fit. ~David H. Roper
O that my life may useful be
As I serve Jesus faithfully;
And may the world see Christ in me—
This is my earnest prayer. ~Hess
As I serve Jesus faithfully;
And may the world see Christ in me—
This is my earnest prayer. ~Hess
The measure of your usefulness is the measure of your faithfulness.
3 comments:
Hey, I found you on Jaho's blog, just so you are not creeped out.
I broke my ankle almost 3 months ago now; it has been a difficult journey. Because my break was really 2 bad breaks, after that I had to have surgery. It was so amazing to see how God worked through me. The medical staff was kind of amazed by my attitude.
Truly, if I was not a Christian these past 2+ months would have been really lame. But God really showed Himself to be the only one I need, the only thing I need. When I went in for surgery and the night before I was so scared, but God strengthened me through His word. It has been an amazing journey and I would not re-do the whole thing.
So I think what I'm trying to say is that people notice how we live, especially when we are in difficult situations.
I appreciate how you pointed out that Jesus relied on the Father for everything. I hadn't thought of that before.
I'm sorry this is a loooong comment but if you want you can retaliate and leave a really long comment on my blog. :)
Zac,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful devotion. I was reminded of Colossians 3:17,
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
If we are to do everything in Jesus’ name and in thanks to God -- how could do anything apart from Him?
Elizabeth
Great post Zach! Amen!
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