Just Show Up

What does it take to be used by God? If you have had God use you in a powerful way before, then you may know the answer to this. If you have not, then I hope today's blog opens your eyes, your mind, and your heart.
So many times people long to be used by God, and then they wonder why they aren't. And I am not suggesting by today's blog that they are doing something "wrong", but I am suggesting that it may be time to do something different. I think the number one thing that God needs from us to be used by Him is just a willingness to "show up". So many times we sit back and wait for God to drop something in our laps before we go out to do anything for Him. But I firmly believe that if you show up for Him, then you will be surprised at what happens. So you may be asking yourself right about now "what does He mean by show up?". I'm at church, I'm in a bible study or small group, and I'm praying before I got to bed... All of these things are great, and they definitely should help you grow, but be careful that they have not just become a part of your routine, or more social times in your week. By showing up for God I really do mean setting aside time when you would normally, or could be, doing something else. Even sleeping. Maybe God is looking for something that requires more discipline on your part before He lays and assignment on your heart. Maybe He has more to tell you or teach you, and He is asking for some quiet time with you before He can do that. For each of us the "showing up" part can look different. But I can promise you with certainty that when we show up for God, He shows up for us!
That other thing that might be required is some "change". I know that can be most people's least favorite thing to hear, but it's true. The reason change may be required before God starts to use you is because God sees something that not everyone else sees, He sees inside of us. And He sees that whether we like it or not. But there is a big difference between God looking inside of you, and you inviting God to look in side of you, and do some searching and pointing out. God knows the things about us that even we have a hard time being honest with ourselves about. He knows if we have a pride issue, He knows if deep down inside we are trustworthy, He knows if we are insecure.....He knows. And He knows that that list can go on and on. But the beauty is, He doesn't need you to be 100% changed before you can be used, because a lot of that change will happen while you are being used. But what He does need is again that willingness. He needs to see that our hearts have changed enough that we are willing to let Him teach us and change us, even as He uses us. He needs to see that we are willing to let Him put us in circumstances that will change us. Over the last 2 years I have been in several situations where I thought "I' showed up to help someone, only to find out that in the end, I was the one who received so much. God is funny like that. He will let you think one thing, and then in the end you will stand in awe of what He really did. But again, the reason He is able to do this is because He saw the willingness of your heart, and you showed up.
Sometimes when I write what God puts on my heart it is because of some of my own experiences that He has brought back to me, and then sometimes it's just because He tells me what to write. I never worry about IF someone will get something from what I write today....I just show up and let Him do the rest. Please let me encourage you to do the same. He will use you to change lives....and your own life will be one of those that get changed in the process. YOU are usable by God! If the enemy has been telling you otherwise, then rebuke that lie now and ask God what you can do to show up for Him today. Let Him search you, and be willing to let Him change you....then be ready for an amazing adventure as He begins to use you.
2 Corinthians 8:11-12 "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have."
God, I don't know how You do it, but You find a way to use us. We are such a flawed and messed up people, but You use us to do Your work. Thank You for that! Thank You for constantly showing us we are more than we realize when we let the power of Jesus Christ flow through us. Holy Spirit, please speak into lives today and let them know what they need to do to be used by God, and then use them to change lives. In Jesus name, Amen