In the Bible, we are called vessels, clay pots made by the Master and useful for whatever He wants to use us. However, many of us have decided all on our own that we cannot do anything for God. Like Moses, we may say that we can’t speak well. Or like Gideon, we may think that we are too weak. Nevertheless, God says that He can use us, no matter what our strengths and talents are. He has created each of us for a purpose, and we need to seek out that purpose and get busy doing it.

So, how do you become purified? Through God’s word and prayer and setting yourself apart for Him. You are already prepared for every good work! Jesus has made you righteous, so you are purified.

Photo Image from patheos.com

This verse says to do whatever your hand finds to do. I think that means whatever you are capable of doing, with your mind, heart, soul and strength. If you have a talent to sing, then sing for the Lord, with everything that is in you. If you have a passion to build homes, then build them for others. There are so many worthy organizations that can use your talents. If you are like me and can speak two languages or more, use that to reach others with the Gospel. I remember going on a missions trip back in the 90’s. We were a team of medical missionaries going to Guatemala, to a remote village to serve those who had never had the chance to see a doctor. We had an ophthalmologist, a general surgeon and a dentist with us. We also had about a half a dozen nurses. And then there was me and one other lady whom I had convinced to come along because she also spoke Spanish well. I felt woefully inadequate because I did not know medical terminology in Spanish at all! I had been teaching high school Spanish and I can assure you that we did not address vocabulary for viruses or diseases. Once we got on the field, though, my friend and I became well acquainted with using a medical dictionary. We interpreted in a little circle. The people who were our patients were Mayan and spoke a local dialect. Then a local interpreter told one of us in Spanish what their symptoms were. We used our dictionaries frequently and then told the doctor in English what those symptoms were. The doctor told us what had to be done for the patient, and so the the circle continued. It was absolutely heart-breaking to see these natives with diseases like TB that we don’t even see in the United States. By the end of the day, my friend and I were both exhausted. (Our days began before daybreak and ended long after dark, with a break for lunch that the natives provided.). We stayed there for ten days and at the end of that time, I was ready to go back home to civilization, but I also had a greater appreciation for how God was able to use the small ability that I have. For a while at our current church, we had Hispanics attending and I interpreted for them. Once again, I was using my Spanish. Recently, I have been helping a teacher friend who attends our church to pass a test that she has to pass in our state in order to keep her certification. I helped her by explaining what her errors were by relating them to Spanish and showing her how English differs. I continue to look for ways to serve God right where I am and with the abilities that He has given me. Since God is no respecter of persons, He will meet and use you right where you are, too.

What is in your hand? Only seven loaves? That’s okay! In fact, it’s wonderful because in the hand of the Savior, it is more than enough! Whatever you have, God can use it. No matter how small you think that your abilities and talents are, God gave them to you for a reason. Just spend some time asking God to use you. Let Him open your eyes to the needs around you for someone just like you to meet that need. Then, you can know and fulfill your purpose. Blessings!