“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Being Chosen by God
When we consider how God uses us, we must recognize the profound truth that we are chosen by Him for a purpose. This choosing is not based on merit but rather on His grace and sovereignty. Each of us is uniquely designed for the good works God has set before us. Understanding that we are chosen can empower us to overcome feelings of inadequacy. We are valuable in His eyes and have a role to play in His grand plan. Let us embrace the fact that we are not just here by chance but are intended to be vessels of His love and purpose.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5
Ephesians 1:4
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” – Ephesians 1:4
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” – John 15:16
Romans 8:30
“And those he predestined he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” – Romans 8:30
Equipped for Service
Another vital aspect of God using us is equipping us for service. God doesn’t just call us; He prepares us for the tasks He has in mind. Through the gifts and talents He gives us, we are enabled to serve others and spread His love. It is a beautiful truth that He entrusts us with responsibilities that can change lives. It helps to remember that we are not doing this work alone; His Spirit empowers us to act according to His will.
2 Timothy 3:17
“So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:17
1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7
Romans 12:6
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” – Romans 12:6
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Sharing His Love
As God uses us, we are called to share His love with others. This is not just a duty but a privilege. When we step out in faith, we become conduits of God’s grace and mercy. It is through our lives and actions that the world can see the beauty of His love. By being obedient to His voice, we can impact those around us profoundly. Let us remember that we reflect Christ’s light in our communities, showing the world what it means to live in His love.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Responding to His Calling
Understanding how God uses us means recognizing that we each have a calling. Responding to this calling requires us to listen and act on His voice in our lives. It is important to approach His leading with an open heart, ready to follow where He leads. Whether big or small, every action can fulfill His purpose. Our willingness to respond plays a significant role in God’s plan and allows us to experience the joy and fulfillment of being part of His work.
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” – Isaiah 6:8
Matthew 9:37-38
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'” – Matthew 9:37-38
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Hebrews 13:21
“May he equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him.” – Hebrews 13:21
Being His Hands and Feet
As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet in this world. God uses us as instruments to help meet the needs of those around us. This can take many forms, from acts of kindness to sharing support and encouragement. We uplift and support one another as we serve. Realizing that we are charged with this ministry can inspire us to be bold in our actions, ensuring that through us, others experience the love and compassion of Christ.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Trusting God’s Plan
Finally, we must trust that God has a plan for us. When we are open to being used by Him, we may not always understand where He is leading us. But we can take comfort in knowing that He is sovereign and has a purpose for our lives. Trusting in God’s plan allows us to step out in faith, even when it seems uncertain. Let’s hold onto the promise that He works all things together for our good and His glory. Leaning into this trust encourages us to step boldly into the callings He gives us.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Final Thoughts
God has a unique purpose for each of us, and in this journey, He desires to use us for His glory and the good of others. As we embrace being chosen, equipped, and called, we can joyfully participate in His plan. Each verse we’ve explored reveals the depth of His love and His commitment to guiding us. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to shine brightly in this world, sharing His love and being a blessing to those around us. Let us continue to seek ways in which God can use us, knowing we are empowered and supported by His Spirit.
As we reflect on these truths, we may want to explore other related topics, like God choosing us or gifts and talents. May our journey be filled with His grace and enable us to serve with love.