“May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can really make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.”
I read that quote on the World Race instagram page the other day, and it resonated in my heart so much. Like, seriously… whoa. God can (and will) use someone like me, or someone like you, to have an impact on this world, as long as we allow Him to move and work in us. How cool is it that He uses ordinary, flawed people to do big, incredible, Jesus-honoring things in His name? How amazing is it that we are invited, by a perfect Creator, to be a part of a bigger, better picture? And all it requires from us is a “yes.” A yes to trusting God, a yes to believe in bigger things, and a yes to being a part of God’s redemption story for His creation.
I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t have a “type” that He sends out into the world on mission. He doesn’t handpick the best, holiest, most spiritually-gifted people and use them, and them alone, to bring the Kingdom to earth. Rather, He invites all of His people to follow Him into the unknown. And then, once you say “yes” to that unknown, He equips you and transforms you and makes you capable through His perfect power.
You cannot change the world. But… God can change the world through you. And you don’t have to be perfect- you just have to be willing. You don’t have to have a past free of mistakes- you just have to be willing. You don’t have to look a certain way or act a certain way or fit a certain stereotype- you just have to be willing.
Let me tell y’all something… it’s really, really easy to get caught up in comparison and self-doubt. I’ve done it a lot of times, especially since committing to the World Race. It’s easy to say that you can’t do big things for God because of this reason or that reason. And it’s even easier to think that someone else could/should do what God is calling you to do because of reason a, b, and c. But when we buy into these lies, and think that God can’t use us, we are limiting His power and preventing His Kingdom from being furthered.
My Father isn’t in the business of comparisons. He doesn’t look at His kids and think one is better than the other, or that one is stronger than the other, or even that one is more capable than the other. He looks at each one of His creations and, amidst all their sin and flaws and shame, and calls them “beloved” and “blameless” and “children of the Most High King.” He says “I see you where you’re at, I love you where you’re at, and I want to use you where you’re at.”
So, I encourage you to have a willing heart before God. I encourage you to realize that you can be an instrument in The Lord’s work. I encourage you to let the Father equip and empower you. He wants to use you in His transformation of the world… and all it requires is a “yes.” He is an extraordinary God who uses ordinary people every single day.
For the Kingdom, Ellen
P.S. Please continue to pray that I am supported throughout this journey, both prayerfully and financially. Pray that I am aware of the fullness of God, that I can hear and discern His voice, and that I put my full trust in Him. Also, if you feel led to make a contribution to my mission, you can donate right here on the blog.
