Who Does God Use?, Part 1

March, 2003

by: John Richard

My ears have often heard a saying that goes something like this, “Wouldn't it be great if that person would get saved; they could do so much for Christ?” Many people have prayed for conversions of those who have money, fame, and power. They believe that a saved celebrity could do much more for the kingdom of God than a saved noncelebrity could. But is this how God works? Well, it is true that there are a number of celebrities (actors, athletes, and politicians) who are saved, but is this the norm? Well, let's see what the Word of God says.

In 1 Corinthians 1:27-30, Paul says that, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that man may boast before God.” Paul says that God has chosen those who aren't the mighty, noble or wise of this age. Often, when people are wise, mighty or noble, they are kept (by their own abilities) from their own sense of need that leads to salvation. God is not looking for those at the top of the class, nor millionaires or entertainers or statesman or famous athletes. Now salvation is open to them, just like it is to those who are not so gifted, but it comes the same way, that is through repentance and faith.

God reveals the greatness of His power by demonstrating that it is the world's “nobodies” that are His “somebody's” (MacArthur, 1 Corinthians, 51). Often, we look to the gifted to be the “somebody's,” but we should look to whomever God gives us an opportunity to minister. Let's follow the example of Jesus, who picked twelve ordinary men to be His disciples. He chose twelve, whom He used for His glory. God used Peter, a fisherman to proclaim the Gospel, who the Holy Spirit used to saved thousands. He also used John, a fisherman to write five books of the Bible. God can and will use anyone He wants. David was just a shepherd boy, when he was anointed as king. He was a man after God's own heart.

Another place where this truth is found is in Hebrews 11. This chapter, which contains the great heroes of faith, contains individuals that at the outset don't seem that impressive. Rahab, was a harlot, a liar and part of a wicked community. Gideon was from an unimportant clan and made excuses to the Lord. Barak was a coward, while Samson hung out with a prostitute, and was extremely gullible. Finally, Jephthah himself made an irrational vow, where his daughter was to be sacrificed. How could these five individuals be in the hall of faith? How could the Lord use them? How could they be an example for us to follow? The answer to that question will be found in next month's article. In the mean time, know that God will save anyone, so pray for opportunities to evangelize and then evangelize. You never know whom God is going to use for His kingdom.