Willing Vessels

There is a familiar song by Ron Kenoly called song "Use Me", a beautiful tune that says, "Lord, I'm available for your work." The story of Nehemiah has truly opened my eyes in the last few days to the truth that a person who is willing and available to be used by God can change the course of a generation, a nation, and even the world.

Maybe you're like me, and you're always looking over your shoulder, hoping to find someone else to do the task for you. I've done it a few times, and my justification was that someone more articulate, perhaps more influential, well-positioned, and possibly endowed with a lot of resources could do it better.

Nehemiah heard about the plight of God's people who survived the exile and had taken it to heart. The position was hopeless; they were in serious trouble and shame because "the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down, and its gates had been set on fire" (v3). He tackled the situation the only way he knew how: through prayer. He prayed to the gracious God, crying out to him and pleading for mercy. Not only that, but he discerned what needed to be done at the place of prayer and then acted on his conviction.

It's all too easy to disregard oneself as a foe to the good that God wishes to do through us. How many times have we succumbed to this deceit and settled for less than what God has in store for us? Let us not be victims, presiding as judge, jury, and executioner over our own fate. Nehemiah responds, "Yes!" Anyone who is willing to work with the Lord and is a willing vessel can serve Him. God expects us to join him in achieving his good purposes here on earth.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this truth found in Nehemiah. I choose to recommit myself to your plan and purpose today, and to allow you to use me to carry out your will for your glory. Amen.

Throughout the Day: Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit nudging you to go in a certain direction or complete a specific task and ignored it? Ask God to help you today to accomplish the very purpose for which you were created, called, and set apart.