God Uses Broken People To Impact a Flawed World

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Throughout my years of studying the scripture I have read how God uses very flawed individuals to accomplish his purpose. He rarely ever called the wealthy, popular and influential, but rather the flawed and broken folks―But they all have one thing in common—They were FAITHFUL.

In the book of Luke chapter 5, verse 31 and 32, Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The vast majority of us would naturally think that God would only use the well-educated, the rich and powerful and those with political influence (Often donors to politicians). Ironically, those elitist-types represent a small few, thus they are often way out of touch with mainstream values. Ask yourself. How many elitists had to work during high school bussing tables, baby-sitting or roofing houses? Worked on an assembly line or been laid off from a job? I’ll argue very few― if any.

Sadly, many in our society believe in the sociopolitical philosophy of elitism. Elitism is the belief that societies should be ruled by elite-types. People who are wealthy or rub shoulders with the political elite. I found it humorous that Webster included in its definition of elitism the word—”snobbery.”

My seventeen-plus years in and around politics I see that same mentality, not only in politics, but, sadly in our churches as well. We, myself included, often forget the real teachings of Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 25:35 to 36, ”For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

God Doesn’t Call the Qualified―God Qualifies the Called!

As a Christian believer I have seen how God uses brokenness to build strength and character in our lives. Throughout the scriptures there is a common thread woven in the BibleGod uses broken people…God doesn’t call the qualified–God qualifies the called!

Saul-The Former Persecutor of Christians

Saul, a former persecutor of Christians is one of the most unlikely people that God used to bring about his will was Saul of Tarsus. Saul would later became known as the apostle Paul. Little is known about Saul before his conversion. Saul was well-educated and was trained as a Pharisee. His life’s path was changed dramatically by the power of the Gospel.

Saul, who changed his name to Paul was a very prominent religious leader among the Jewish community. He was on a life’s mission to harm or kill anyone who claimed to be a Christian. In the book of Acts 9:4 it states that Saul “fell to the ground,” Saul was speechless, he had a vision of Jesus, who told him that Saul’s actions were wrong. As a result, he turned his life around and decided to serve Christ. Would later go on to write the many books of the New Testament. Paul is the ultimate example of someone having such strong faith that throughout the ages millions have tried to emulate.  Paul was chosen to lead. Ironically, Paul was totally unqualified to lead. He is the best example of a great leader and strong Christian.

The story of Paul is a story of how God can take someone who is rebellious and turn their life around and transform them to start living for him.

Paul’s story is also a story of redemption and transformation. His example offers us insight that if God can use people like Paul to accomplish his will, then he can use anyone, no matter how dark their past is or what crimes they have committed… God qualified Paul—because he was called. 

David—Facing the Giant

David, was a man after God’s own heart. How can God describe David as a man ‘after his own heart?’ (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22) when he made so many mistakes and did many things that we view as evil that are recorded in the Bible about him?”

 How can God describe David as a man ‘after my own heart? (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22) when he did all of those wicked things that are recorded in the Bible about him?

David, much like the rest of us certainly had his share of problems. David had rebellious son―some of us can relate with our own sons who often disappoint us with their bad decisions.

David was a shepherd boy around the age of 15 when he overheard Goliath taunting the Israel army. 1 Samuel 17:26 states, David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel. Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

David fights the Philistine warrior Goliath. In those days, the armies chose their best warriors and had them fight rather than having their entire army fight. He was just a young boy and the Philistine warrior Goliath was a huge, battle-hardened warrior. David dropped the giant with a mere sling.

David would later become king of Israel. David was unfaithful to his wife and had an affair with Bathsheba. He even was responsible for the death of Uriah the Hittite by having him sent to the front lines of battle. That story should give us all hope. When the words of God came to David through the prophet Nathan, David turned from his sin and asked God for forgiveness. God qualified David—because he was called.

I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19).

When we are broken, we see how frail our human strength is. We see how we can do nothing in our own strength. Then, a new much stronger spiritual strength emerges that God uses mightily. God detest haughty pridefulness—But gives grace to the humble.

 

In 1 Corinthians verse 27, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound the things which are mighty.”

If there is one thing that is common with human nature―is that we all make stupid mistakes.

Brokenness and Pain

Brokenness and pain is a common theme all throughout the scriptures of the bible. Throughout the verses you will find people much like you and I. They shared many of the same experiences we go through today.

Below are some great examples of people who were used by God for his glory.

  • Abraham -Was real old.

  • Joseph- Was abused.

  • Moses- Had a speech problem.

  • Job – Went bankrupt.

  • Elijah- Was suicidal

  • Gideon – Was afraid.

  • Rahab- Was a prostitute.

  • Samson – Was a womanizer.

  • Samaritan Woman – Divorced.

  • Peter – Denied Christ three times

  • Noah – Was a Drunk.

  • Jacob – Was a cheater.

  • David – Was a murderer.

  • Jonah – Ran from God.

  • Naomi – Was a widow.

  • Martha – Worried too much.

  • Jeremiah – Was young.

  • Zacchaeus – Was a wee little man and loved money.

  • The Disciples – Fell asleep while praying.

  • Paul – Was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians before becoming one.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28

The world wants you and I to feel like we aren’t worthy to helpaccomplish his will—That’s a lie. Remember that God used a bunch of flawed, jacked up, messed up people to touch other’s lives, accomplish his mission and share hope to a flawed world.

The Bible says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him”2 Chronicles 16:9. Will you be that person God can use today?