THE CALL TO BE LED

The truth is God can use anyone. I'll go even a step further and tell you that God can use anything! He can use a prisoner to launch a political career on the world's stage and save His people from starvation. God raised Joseph from the lowest dungeon to the most influential palace. The Lord can use the jawbone of a donkey to kill a thousand enemies. He has no limits to what He can use for His glory. To the extent that He can take the worst form of execution and transform it into a universal symbol of hope. Today we thank God for the cross! Two thousand years ago before Jesus' resurrection that would have seemed ludicrous.    

We know God can use anyone and anything. Let me tell you a limit God has. Wait a second I thought God is unlimited! He is unlimited in goodness and mercy. Yes, God can do anything, but within the limits of His nature and character. That means if He said something, He is bound to that word. God cannot lie.  

Making us in His image, God has given us authority. That means if I want to make a stupid choice, He will warn me but never force me to turn on my will. His gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). This proves again that God cannot lie, never will lie, or be false to a promise. He just can't do it!      

So can God use you?

Of course! He can use anyone, anytime, even the rebellious. So consider trading in your top goal of being used by God for something far better and in line with His will. The vast difference here is between intimacy with God and living a lie. Listen closely to Romans 8:14: "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." The Father can only lead His children. If He could lead those who are not His, He would because God is not willing that any should die.  

I've spent many years on the road since I started in ministry as a teenager and traveled millions of miles around the world. It has always amazed me how God can use the good, the bad, and the ugly. I've watched people living a double life pray for the sick, give amazing altar calls and teach profound truths. In many of those instances, the Name of Jesus triumphed and supernatural things happened. Why? Well, God is so good, and He wants people to get help. As I said, He can use anyone and anything.  

So if God can use anyone, even the most rebellious, then lift your eyes to a much higher calling: the call to be led. The Good Shepherd leads His own. Sure, we enjoy the privilege of the Holy Spirit working through us. All loving parents involve their children in family responsibilities. The beauty of being led is that you know what your Heavenly Father is doing. Servants come and go, but the children remain forever. Angels are in awe of you not because you serve; they do that. They are in awe of you because God leads you, and only the children are led.  

Confess this with me:

In believing in Jesus God has given me the right and the privilege to be His own child. That means I am led by His Holy Spirit and an heir of His will. I expect to see my Father's glory today! (According to John 1:12 & Romans 8:14-17)