I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people pray this prayer, “Lord, use me, put me in ministry, use me for the Kingdom.” While their motive is absolutely sincere, I believe a better prayer may be, “God make me useable for the Kingdom of God.”
Yes, it is the heart of God that we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is His will that we tell others about His amazing word and His faithfulness. He wants to be able to use each of us in ministry to others – I believe that to be true.
However, I also believe, He wants us to be ready for that assignment – to prepare for it. If we don’t, we will be much like what Jesus talked about in Matthew 7.
Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. (Mt 7:24-27)
It is imperative that we have a solid foundation in God and His Word before entering into ministry. If not, when the winds of adversity begin to blow and they will – our house will not stand. However, if we first, take time to build a firm foundation on the word of God and in relationship with God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, our house will stand firm, no matter what comes our way.
How do we do that? We get in the word of God. We ask God to cleanse us of anything that would hinder our walk with Him. We ask Him to MAKE us usable in the Kingdom of God. To make us a person who would bring Him glory and lead others to Him.
Psalm 51:10 says Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
This should be our daily prayer to God.
I have seen many, many people go into ministry in my lifetime. Some of them come out like bright shooting stars and capture everyone’s attention. However, at times, they fall as quickly as they arose. To me that is very sad. If they had only taken the time to build a firm foundation, their ministry may have been different.
And, let me say this. Building a firm foundation isn’t a one-time thing. You must continue building even after you are in ministry or working in the Kingdom of God. You must be intentional about steadily building your relationship with God and His word.
God is looking for people He can use to spread the gospel. He is not only looking for those who are willing but also those who are ready – who are prepared.
It was not Jesus’ plan for Peter to step out on the water and begin to sink. It is also not His plan that you step out into ministry and fall. It is His will that you walk on the water of His word. That you stand on a firm foundation, so much so, that whatever winds may blow, whatever storms may come, your house will stand firm.
Today, instead of praying, “Lord, use me” let’s pray, “Lord, cleanse our heart, remove anything from us that is not of you, teach us Your ways, reveal to us Your word, and then use us.”
