“Thank You Lord For Making Me Who I Am, Use Me As You Want!”

“Thank You Lord For Making Me Who I Am, Use Me As You Want!”
Notwithstanding its origin, what has been trending on social media in the past few days is the ten-year challenge. This has caused people to dig into their albums to come out with pictures of ten years, or more or less ten years ago. Interestingly it has enabled some of us to see how differently we have physically been transformed from how we looked ten year or so ago.
The challenge is however about physiology and not character.
It is often difficult to reflect who we are in relation to who we once were. We are thinking of change when we have been opportuned to climb the social ladder. The philosopher said, “Man, know thyself.” Since from when I became a pastor I have been blessed with serving in places where I live in self-contained houses, but I’ve always reminded myself that in our compound back home in Bali it is a pit toilet that we use. Climbing up the social ladder has never gone into my head to make me think I’m somebody when I know I’m a nobody. Each time I look at myself and where I am today, I only pray, “God thank you for grace.” The song “Amazing Grace” has always appealed to me as if the author composed it personally for me.
God does not change our story in life so that we become haughty, arrogant and proud. He changes our story so that the world should see and acknowledge that it is neither by power nor might, but simply by his Spirit. He does it to fulfil his purpose and it is never about us.
When we become power-drunk and socially arrogant, then it is time he is about to crumble us!
Paul reminds you and I, “…think of when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no-one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom of God – that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'”(I Cor. 1:26-31).
My friend, the ten-year plus challenge is necessary to see how God has changed your story positively. When you look back and recognise the changes, give glory to him, be humble and prayerfully ask him to show you what he wants you to be and do to his glory! Don’t boast! Do not like a Pharisee tell him what you have done because he knows already what he has done through you! You are only a tool in his hands! Just thank him for making you what you are. Conitually ask him in all humility to use you the way he wants! To Him alone belong the glory!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!