Broken Warriors

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o you ever wonder if God really can use you?   Do you look at yourself and see only flaws, shortcomings, disabilities, emotional upset, brokenness, sinfulness, physical setbacks?   If you see things that are difficult and appear broken in your life, this is great news!  God knows how to use whatever you have been through.  Whatever you struggle with.  He uses flawed people to bring hope to other flawed people!  Simply put – God wants you!

God wants you!

Abraham was old and doubtful.  Abraham wanted a son, and despite his age and doubt, God promised him that Sarah would have a son – Isaac.  Abraham prayed for a son – God answered above what he could even know to ask and made Abraham a father of many nations.  Isaac became a symbol of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with Abraham.

Rahab was a liar and a prostitute from Jericho.   Rabah had a past life of sin, yet Rabab believed and her faith, actions, willingness to serve, were used of God to help the Israelite spies escape.  This resulted in her and her family being spared when Jericho was destroyed.  She became part of the lineage of Jesus – showing how God can use anyone with a less than optimal past for His purpose.

Elijah was depressed and suicidal.  Elijah felt hopeless, alone and afraid.  He had low self -esteem and just wanted to sleep and even went as far as stating he wanted to die.   Elijah was broken yet God used Elijah to raise a widow’s son from the dead, and summon fire from heaven.  He used him to challenge the Baal prophets and demonstrate the power of God.

Joseph was rejected and abused.  Joseph’s brothers hated him and sold him into slavery.  He was imprisoned.  Ultimately God used Joseph as he rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt saving his people and family from famine.

Samaritan woman was divorced 5 times.   She was also living with a man who was not her husband.  She was an outcast in society.  Low. Disregarded. An outsider. Despised.  Jesus broke all social barriers and talked with her and offered grace and forgiveness. Her life was transformed into an instrument for Him as an evangelist for her community.

Noah was drunk.  God chose Noah because he found grace with God.  Noah had integrity and was obedient to God by sharing his faith with others.  Noah was not perfect.  He planted a vineyard and became drunk from the wine.  He was so drunk he lay naked in his tent.  Through repentance, God was able to use him.

Jonah ran from God.  God called Jonah to minister to the people of Ninevah and he ran in the opposite direction by sea.  God caused a great storm and the sailors threw Jonah overboard. Jonah road in a large fish before being spit out on land. God used Jonah to preach and and teach.

Moses had a speech impediment.  Moses said he was not a man of words and heavy of mouth and tongue.  God brought Aaron alongside to assist him.  Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and was chosen to receive the 10 Commandments from the Lord.  Even though Moses felt inadequate, God used him in powerful leadership.

David was an adulterer and arranged for the death of another man.   King David had a close relationship with God – but fell into sin. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then to cover his sin, he arranged for the death of her husband during battle.  David had consequences for his sin, including the death of his son.  David confessed and was forgiven and God used him to build His kingdom, conquer Jerusalem and establish the nation of Isreal.

Naomi was a widow filled with grief.  She was so grief stricken, she changed her name to Mara - meaning bitter.  God used Ruth (her daughter-in-law) and Boaz to minister to her.  Naomi’s life was transformed, and she embraced the God of Isreal.  She became a testament of God’s faithfulness.

The list can go on.  Jeremiah was young and weeping. Jacob was a cheater.  Job was bankrupt, alone and had boils all over his body.  Samson was a womanizer. Peter denied Jesus. Martha worried about everything.  Zacchaeus was small.  Paul persecuted Christians. The disciples fell asleep when praying.  Yet, God used all of these people for His glory.

It doesn’t matter where you have been or what you have done.  God is not looking for the popular, successful or those who have prestige and lots of money.   Come with your heartache, doubts, depression, grief, backslidden heart, frailties, and sinful past.  Come broken, repent, trust and be faithful and see what God will do.  He will take you from brokenness to being a warrior for Him.   He wants you now.

Come broken and see what

our faithful God will do.