If you’re like me at some point on your faith journey, you’ve asked the question, “Is God really for me?” I know the Bible says everyone…but even someone like me? God must not know my history, He can’t possibly want someone like me.
I am not worthy.
The Bible is full of imperfect people that God uses. Don’t believe me? Allow me to call a few witnesses. Adam and Eve – Disobedient Moses – Anger Issues Noah – Got Drunk Jonah – Ran from God Samson – Hair Cut Solomon -700 Wives Paul – Murderer Martha – Worrier …And the list goes on. Yet all the people above and the many others in the Bible help paint the story of a God who wants you. Most of us can quote John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. But you can’t stop there, let’s look at the next verse, 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. There is no way we can ever measure up to what we think perfection is. The great thing? God loves us, the flawed us. So much so that he sent his Son to save us, not condemn us.
What should our response to this be? Allow me to call one more witness. In Luke 5, we see Jesus call his first Disciples.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
In other words, I am not worthy. You don’t know my history and all the bad I’ve done.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Like Simon, we wrestle with feeling like we are unworthy. Jesus says I don’t care what you think about yourself. I’m calling you.
Unworthy, yes, but that’s what makes us the perfect candidates to be used by God. The God who is for everyone…you, your family, co-workers, neighbors, enemies, friends…EVERYONE.
