Why? Why don’t we always feel God? Why didn’t God answer my prayer? Why do bad things happen to good people? Today, why would God use me?

As Susan, Jacqui and Erin have become members of this congregation today they should expect that we will support and encourage them. But they should also expect to find a part to play in the life and witness of the congregation. Each of them was nervous about standing here in front of you today, but they did it.

Most of us make excuses for not finding ways to serve God:

Don’t know enough bible

Don’t have great talent

Still lose my temper                

Occasionally have my doubts

No spiritual giant           

Messed up big time.

If you have ever felt like that you are in good company. Gideon was hiding from the Midianites when God called him. The angel appeared and said, “The Lord is with you mighty warrior!”

Turn to your neighbor – the Lord is with you (mighty warrior princess)

Judges 6:14-15 The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

Why would God use someone like me?

Let’s look at who God uses most often:

1. GOD USES THE INSECURE.

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Ex. 4:10

Not an outgoing person! Too young, too old! Terrified of crowds!

I don’t have a lot of self confidence—great!

Not confident in yourself—confident in God in you!

Healing story

The LORD said to (Moses), "Who gave man his mouth?… Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Ex 4:11-12

God knew what he was doing when he made you!

2. GOD USES THE UNLIKELY.

God specializes in using those that others overlook!

God sent Samuel to anoint future king of Israel—House of Ben Jesse.

Couple of perfect prospects: older, handsome, strong, mature!

…Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:6-7

Samuel was looking for the obvious—God chose the unlikely

3. GOD USES THE BROKEN.

Any of the disciples thought they were ready to be used—Peter.

I’ve got your back—I’ll stay with you.

Denied once, denied twice

Someone saw Peter, “Wasn’t this guy with Jesus?”

60 Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."  62 And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62

Maybe you’re thinking that you have done something so bad that God couldn’t use you.

After resurrection—Jesus forgave Peter

Guess who God chose to preach at Penecost?

Peter: insecure, unlikely, broken disciple.

Nobody could better preach forgiveness than the one who’d been forgiven!

Why? God loves to use the insecure, the unlikely, and the broken

(PIC)

John 10:10 A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

The resurrection means Jesus is who he claimed to be.

The resurrection means Jesus has the power he claimed to have.

The resurrection means Jesus did what he promised to do.

The resurrection matters because our past can be forgiven.

The resurrection matters because our present problems can be overcome.

The resurrection matters because our future can be secure.

The resurrection matters because it means I have the power of God in me, and together we can do amazing things.

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