"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
-1 Samuel 16: 7

Who Am I?

'Who am I that I can serve God?' If you are like me, then you have asked yourself, asked God, that question many times. I know myself pretty well. I know my weaknesses, my struggles. I can come up with a lot of reasons why God wouldn't and shouldn't use me. If you have feelings like this you are not alone. The amazing thing about God is that He often does His best work with those people who doubt themselves, those who have to totally rely on Him! Let's look at some examples.

1. Moses: "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' " (Exodus 3: 11) Moses was filled with a lot of self doubt. God did incredible things through Moses.

2. Isaiah: " 'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.' " (Isaiah 6: 5) Isaiah knew he wasn't worthy. God did incredible things through Isaiah.

3. Elijah: "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors.' " (1st Kings 19: 3-4) Elijah was filled with fear, felt he was unworthy, and was exhausted. God did incredible things through Elijah.

4. David: "So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, 'Rise and anoint him, he is the one.' " (1 Samuel 16: 12) David didn't fit the 'image' that the world had for a king. God did incredible things through David.

5. Gideon: " 'But Lord', Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' " (Judges 6: 15) Gideon had doubts, came from a 'weak' clan, and was the 'least' in his family. God did great things through Gideon.

6. Peter: "The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.' And he went outside and wept bitterly." (Luke 22: 61-62) Peter rejected Christ three times. The Lord did incredible things through Peter.

7. Paul: "He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' " (Acts 9: 4) Paul was on his way to arrest and persecute Christians in Damascus. God did great things through Paul.

8. Jesus: "You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1: 31-33) Jesus was born to a poor, unwed couple, named Mary & Joseph. A very unlikely candidate to be the Savior of the world. God did great things through Jesus.

So what keeps you from serving God? Self doubt? Fear? Not worthy? Exhausted? An unlikely candidate? Maybe you are questioning, 'Who am I that God could use me?' Always remember, God does great things through those who come to rely totally upon Him! There are no obstacles for those who put their trust, hope, and faith in Him! Amen.

Take a moment and encourage someone this week!

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
-Matthew 10: 19-20

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