Instruments In The Right Hands!

There have been times someone has called on the phone and asked, “Is Carl handy?” Sometimes my wife will respond, “Not very!” However, she means it in jest ... I hope. I know she appreciates some of the fixing I do around the house, but I do realize my limitations. There are some tasks I will not even venture to begin. The reasons for not fixing some things boils down to two: [1] I don’t have the proper instruments (tools) or [2] I don’t have the proper know how. The right instrument in the right hands can fulfill the task marvelously. These two need to go together as there are some people I’m not sure I would want to be around if they had a paint sprayer in their hands.

Following Saul’s (later called Paul) seeing the light on the Road to Damascus, Ananias was told to go to him. Due to Ananias’s knowledge of Saul’s persecution of Christians we can understand his reluctance. However, the Lord made it clear to Ananias that He had plans for Saul.

We read. . .
“(15) But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen INSTRUMENT OF MINE to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.’” ( Acts 9:15 ESV)

When we read through the book of Acts we see how marvelously and skillfully the Lord used Paul as HIS INSTRUMENT! He was GOD’S INSTRUMENT not only among Jews, but Gentiles as well, and his work even reached to touch the families of royalty.

When we consider the diversity of background of each of the Lord’s disciples we should be struck with how well the Lord can work through those who are willing to be taken into His hands and used. He can use me! He can use you! And He wants to!

Paul wrote to Timothy. . .
“(20) Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. (21) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be A VESSEL FOR HONORABLE USE, set apart as holy, USEFUL TO THE MASTER of the house, ready for every good work.” ( 2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV)

What a boost to our esteem seeing how we are valued in God’s eyes. In HIS SKILLFUL HANDS He can use us to continue His marvelous work. Let’s let Him.

Have a great day USEFUL IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 12/09/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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