Your past actions never disqualify you from being used by God. (click to tweet this.)
Do you believe that? Or do your insecurities, doubts or fears get in the way of truly believing?
What gets in the your way?
Sometimes I think about my current career path. I spent the better part of nine years as a software developer/web guy. But now I’m a small groups pastor. I went from being a web developer to a people developer. I have no clue what I’m doing. I’m experience growing pains as a leader in a role that requires a completely different set of skills.
And I’ve been in a dry season with God. How can I pastor and lead people when I feel disconnected from God?
I’d like to disqualify myself at times.
But God never does.
Galatians 1:13
13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
This was the Apostle Paul. In his previous way of life he intensely persecuted the church. He stood by and watched Christians get executed; nodding in approval.
Galatians 1:22-24
22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me.
Despite the man Paul used to be, he was able to say “and they praised God because of me.”
God works through broken people. (click to tweet this.)
People who have committed adultery. Lashed out in anger. Said hateful things to loved ones. He works through our doubts, insecurities and fear. When we don’t think we’re good enough, God says we are.
We have been set apart and called by his grace…all for Him.
Galatians 1:15
15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace…
It’s not what you’ve done. It’s who you are; a child of God created in His image.
And even though we may be nobody’s in our own eyes, if we embrace our weaknesses and imperfections, God’s transforming power can come alive in us.
And people will praise God because of you.
Talk to me in the comments. What are some things that have made you feel unable to be used by God?
12 replies on “God Never Disqualifies You”
Thanks for sharing this! I’ve constantly being told I don’t qualify as a personal trainer so I gave it all up and became a postie but now I’m struggling to get back into it and with decent working hours I want.
After a marriage breakdown, diagnosis of BPD, family members suffering with cancer…I ran from God as I was so confused and angry. After returning I find im reminded alot of how I’ve let God down or he can’t use me or how I’m a hypocrite. However I’m recognising and starting to finally believe God’s word instead! Faith over fact! Xxx
Dear all
I feel bad recently because I made a terrible mistake by leaving my job …out of my weaknesses I committed this mistake …. Now I wonder if god can bless me again with a good job… I hate my weaknesses but yet I can’t change my weaknesses … Frustrated with myself … Feel condemned and lousy … :(
Truth!! Good stuff.
Howdy Eileen! Thanks for reading and commenting!
That’s the tragedy with life. People have a tendency to desire being a god rather than believing in God. It’s easier to believe one is always is rather than doing what one can be. One let’s you “pretend” your in full control over your life while the other actually gives you more control over life but does have a tendency to makes you feel like you lost control because your no longer “a god” over your life.
In short, we’re more “happy” living a puny miserable life that we know what’s going to happen next then to live a true life where complete dependency on God matters is revealed.
From what I can tell, God created no rule in life to stop people from being what they can truly be. It is us who makes such rules.
You’re right, it is a paradox. When you give control over to God, you are actually more free than if you controlled your own life.
Your last paragraph reminded me of something I read not too long ago. The idea that as kids we believe we can be anyone/do anything, but as we grow up we begin to limit ourselves and spend the rest of our lives unlearning our self-imposed limitations.
Reaching our fullest potential in Christ requires a life fully surrendered to Him.
Thanks for this, Brother. Kasa told me about it. It’s very applicable to where I am in life. Definitely unsure what God wants me to do in my life at the moment. Miss your wisdom & leadership here in OKC!
I was unsure for awhile too. It wasn’t until the past few years that things began getting more clear. Keep in step with God and I’m sure he’ll reveal each successive step. Just like Brady was talking about in an earlier comment.
You name it, I probably done it. That’s why that grace and mercy is on top of my list. I have to thrive on it each day in order to keep moving forward. Thanks Alex for sharing this. We always have to be reminded because the devil always likes to remind of of our past!
As I was reminded this past week in a conference call, we have everything we need through Christ to kick Satan in the face! ;)
In a positive light God continually prompts me to ask, do I have a former life? It is daily and confrontational. It isn’t negative but promotes humility. This thought process helps me break down the concept of disqualification. While God uses the broken, God hasn’t once asked me to do something I am not prepared or mature enough to do. I don’t want to speak for God, I would assume he has prepared my steps and I cannot skip those that I choose. While I am not disqualified from the Kingdom there are times when I have to take a back seat and let others in the body take steps that I am not ready for.. Taking next steps leads to having a former life. Some of those are gigantic but still prepared.
True that. Thanks for sharing!