God Doesn't Need You. (Phew!)

I’ve noticed a common thread on the topic of doing “cool things” for the kingdom of God. We hear stories of mission trips and miraculous healings and conferences and conversions from all over the place, but when it comes to our personal lives, we become quick to say “I could never do that.”

“God would never want to use me because I’m…” fill in the blank. Not good enough, not smart enough, not talented enough, whatever. 

I get it, really. Because the truth is, you AREN’T smart enough, talented enough, etc. in your own strength. When it comes to God, we have nothing to offer Him, because any talent or intelligence we have is a gift straight from Him. 

It is so easy to look at what other people are doing and think “I could never do that,” but we have to recognize that even our favorite pastors, leaders, authors, podcasters, etc. are all just the same as we are. We are all equal in the sight of the Lord because He sees us all exactly as we are— helpless little babies dependent on Him for every breath. (Yes, even that person.)

So why do we keep disqualifying ourselves as if God is counting on us for any part of this process? 

God can do whatever He wants to do. He could make things happen in the blink of an eye. And yet, He chooses to involve us in the process, knowing full well we have nothing to offer.  He wants our hearts and our willing hands so that He can do the work in us and through us while we do our work with Him and for Him. 

So it’s okay if you’re unskilled or not gifted in a particular way. God can and will still use you for whatever His plan involves, and He will equip you to do what you need to do. Whatever you feel like “disqualifies” you from the task at hand, I guarantee you God has done more with less. 

A few Biblical examples come to mind:

Moses was a murderer, and yet God used him to bring Israel out of slavery.

Rahab was a prostitute, and yet she hid Joshua’s spies and saved her family in the process.

Peter denied Jesus three times, and yet he was the rock on which the early church was founded.

I AM BAD, AND YET GOD IS GOOD.

My favorite example of this in Scripture is Moses in Exodus. When God called out to him from the burning bush, he had so many objections. How did God respond? He didn’t coddle Moses’ insecurities by telling him how cool he is, how talented he is, or how smart he is. When Moses said, “But I am not eloquent,” God didn't turn around and say, “Aww, don’t say that! I’m sure you’re not as bad as you think!”

No. He said, “Who has made man’s mouth? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:10-11)

God’s very existence is enough to cover our every shortcoming. 

Every issue that Moses raised was met with God’s response: I AM WHO I AM.

“But I am not trusted by the people!” I AM.

“But I am not eloquent!” I AM.

“Who even are you, God?” I AM WHO I AM. 

No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done or said or thought, God knows your weaknesses, and He’s not asking you to eradicate or ignore them. He’s asking you to step out in faith, fully embracing your weakness, because that is where He has the most room to move. You will never be enough, and that’s right where you need to be.

So the next time you think, “But I’m not–!” stop, take a moment, and remember that God is.

Suggested reading: Exodus 3 and 4