Join the Crowd
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. —Hebrews 12:1
I’m not sure about you, but there are many days when I feel unworthy of my calling as a Christian, husband, and father. I’m always encouraged that the “great cloud of witnesses” found in Hebrews 12 refers to the fathers and mothers of our faith (see Hebrews 11). These were not perfect people, but depended daily on God’s strength and power in their lives. My friend Pam Laster sent me the message below and it’s a great reminder for us all. Someone needs to read this today!
No More Excuses - Author Unknown
The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember:
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer
AND
Lazarus was dead!
Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What types of excuses have you relied upon to suggest that God can’t use you?
2. How can you find encouragement in knowing that great people of faith also had flaws?
FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 11; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
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