I watched the Christmas animated movie, The Star, with my daughters and most of their children and grandchildren. It was about a donkey who was supposed to carry Mary but did a very poor job of it because he thought so selfishly as many of us do. The thought that struck me as I watched was how God used various common, fallen humans and even a misguided donkey in that episode of Jesus’ life. I doubt that was the intended impression for the movie, but it did incite some very thought-provoking issues.
One question it raised for me was, “Do I believe God could use me to do what Mary, Joseph, Elijah, Paul, or even Joshua did?” Somehow it seems we think a person must be exceptionally holy in some way in order for God to use them in a profoundly dynamic way. After all, who am I to even think I could be a Moses or Peter? Who am I to even imagine God might guide me or speak to me, much less that I should do something like a great Bible hero?” Have thoughts of that nature ever crossed your mind?
But then I remember what the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. My false humility messes with my trust in who God’s Word describes Him to be. While I may feel like my humble thoughts honor the greatness of God, in reality they DISHONOR Him. It is His greatness that is precisely what makes it possible for Him to choose anyone or anything He wants to use. What He might choose to do through Mary, Joseph, Paul, me or you, has very little to do with who we are or what we are or are not naturally gifted to do.
To be very candid, after God has used me in the past, there have been times when I have had to talk myself down from thinking I was someone special. Have you had to do something like that? Since God can speak through Balaam’s donkey if He chooses, He can speak through me regardless of my slowness of speech or even if I momentarily had a silver tongue. In fact, I’ve observed those with a silver tongue struggle more with erroneously thinking others should speak like they speak or be as culturally sensitive as they are.
When Jesus asked if a father of a demon possessed child could believe, the father “cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). I now see that to be a much healthier response than withdrawing in unbelief hiding behind false humility.
Oh God, please keep reminding me that I am most effective when I am cognizant of the fact it is only YOUR power working in me, in spite of me, that is able to do any profoundly dynamic spiritual work. Help me to relax when I’m positioned to speak on your behalf and get out of Your way so You can do whatever supernatural things that needs to be done. Help me to believe You will use me to do things like Elisha, John, or any other Bible hero, not because I’m gifted, but because You are wanting to flow Your power through me for reasons known only to You.