Can God Really Use Me?

Can God Really Use Someone Like Me? Ordinary, Flawed, and Fully Loved.

Spoiler alert: yes, He can.

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things every single day.

Not the perfect ones. Not the polished or the always-obedient. Just… us. Flawed, struggling, human us. He uses us even when we least expect it, even when we don’t feel worthy, and sometimes even when we don’t know how.

But here’s the key: God cannot use us if we’re not at least trying to walk in obedience.

Let me rephrase that: He will use us—but the more we grow in faith, the more we’re able to recognize, accept, and walk in the purpose He has for us.

Obedience Is Hard—But It’s Required

Let’s be honest. Obedience is hard.

Sometimes I fail to heed His teachings. Okay… often. And when I mess up, I tend to make excuses. Maybe you do too?

·         “God made me this way.”

·         “This temptation is just too strong.”

·         “It’s not that big of a deal.”

Yes, He gave us free will. But He also gave us a conscience. A compass. A choice. And every time we choose sin, we choose something that distances us from His best.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)

 Sin Can Be Fun… Until It Isn’t

Let’s not sugarcoat it: sin often shows up looking like a whole lot of fun.

But when we look back on the times we chose fun over obedience—what did it really bring? Regret. Grief. Emptiness. Maybe even consequences we’re still living with today.

And when we keep making excuses for sinful behavior, it’s like saying, “It’s okay to sin… just a little.”

Spoiler: sin doesn’t come in portion-controlled sizes.

You Know What’s Right—Even If You Don’t Like It

Deep down, we know what God asks of us.

We might not feel like living holy lives every day. We might roll our eyes at the idea of being “set apart” when our emotions are messy, our circumstances are stressful, or that Netflix show is just one more click away.

But we can’t claim ignorance. Not really.

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
(James 4:17, ESV)

God Uses Redeemed Sinners—That Means You and Me

Listen, God only uses one kind of person: redeemed sinners.

He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for progress. Obedience. Willingness. A heart that says, “Here I am, Lord—messy, broken, and available.”

The enemy will try to convince you that your past disqualifies you. That your sins, your doubts, your failures, your hot mess life makes you unusable.

That’s a lie.

What Does Being “Used by God” Really Look Like?

Being used by God doesn’t always mean preaching on a stage or moving across the globe as a missionary.

Sometimes, it means:

·         Texting someone a Bible verse when they need it.

·         Helping your neighbor bring in their trash cans.

·         Raising your kids with faith and grace.

·         Praying with your friend over coffee.

Other times, it means enduring hassle or hardship so God can work through it.

I once knew a pastor who worked in our state Capitol. For years, he wasn’t welcome. He had to fight—legally, politically, emotionally—for the right to host a Bible study in that building. It wasn’t glamorous. It was hard. But it mattered.

That’s what obedience looks like.

Yes, God Wants to Use You

If you struggle with:

·         Sin

·         Doubt

·         Past mistakes

·         Family drama

·         Feeling like a hot mess

You qualify.

As long as you're growing in obedience and remaining open to His call, God will use you to bless others. Not just in spite of your mess—but sometimes because of it.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for using ordinary people for Your extraordinary purposes. It gives us hope that our lives, as messy as they are, can still make a difference in Your Kingdom. Help us believe You, submit to Your will, and be quick to obey. Use us, Lord—even when we feel unworthy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought: Stay in the Stream

If your life is going to be useful, you need to start seeing yourself in the stream of God’s work.

He hasn’t blessed you just so you can be blessed. He’s blessed you so you can be a blessing to others. Stay available. Stay humble. Stay in motion.

God isn’t looking for perfect. He’s looking for willing.