Finding Strength in God

"God is God, and I am not. And that's okay with Him!" Our youth pastor preached that last weekend and I blogged about it yesterday. The sermon left me with one big question. How do I "use" God's strength to make a difference?

I pray all the time, "God use me." "Shine through me." How?

The prophet Nathan sets a great example of how to let God work through our lives. Nathan was a contemporary of King David (The David who slayed Goliath, became King, slept with another man's wife and got her pregnant, and then had her husband killed...) David's life was disintegrating, and so, God sent Nathan to confront him (read the full story here). Imagine telling the King - not any King, but powerful and beloved King David - that he messed up and couldn't hide it from God. That takes guts!

Nathan was able to act on God's request, because he was prepared.

First, he had a close relationship with God. Because he was close to God, he had the confidence to act when God called on him to confront King David. He wasn't confronting King David alone. He was walking with God, confronting at God's direction, not alone.

Second, he had a relationship with King David. Because he and David were close friends, David respected what Nathan had to say. In 1 John 3:18, we are instructed not to love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth. Nathan had loved David through faithful friendship - his actions and his integrity paved the way for him to speak. When we develop the same type of friendships, God can work through us in the same way.

Third, Nathan knew his calling. He understood his purpose was to serve King David by speaking God's truth into his life. He didn't worry about what others said or did, but focused on what God had prepared him to do. How often do we know the right thing to do, but give into peer pressure or convenience? We'll never make the biggest impact if we are unwilling to walk God's way consistently. (Thankfully, there is grace when we mess up - but that's a blog for some other day).

Fourth, Nathan was humble. He had already set aside his personal agenda to follow God. Sounds like a horrible way to live - you mean, I can't do what I want? It's my life, after all. BUT, in giving his life to God, Nathan was the advisor to a very powerful king! I think I'd take that life if it was offered!

Nathan's life provides the blueprint for me -- and you. Spending regular time talking to God and reading his word is the first step. Without that relationship, how could we possibly know what God wants to say? Developing strong friendships, based in truth, time, commitment and love creates a platform for influence. How much time do I spend nurturing my friendships? Am I sincere in love? Third, I need to trust that God's plan for my life is better than anything I could come up with. I know that is true, but how committed am I (good heart check question!)? And finally, I must be humble. My life is not mine for me. It's a gift from God, intended to make a difference. Perhaps that prayer, "God use me," is a good place to start. If I listen and follow through!

Dear God, as the year 2010 rolls in, help me walk closer with you. Show me my friends' hearts and help me become a better friend. Take my life and use it to make a kingdom difference! Amen.