No one is immune to feeling the daily pressures of life. We all get to that point where we believe we'll never be useful to God. Remember, the joy of the Lord is our strength, so if we lose our joy, we're in trouble. God Himself has designed us to operate out of a spirit of joy and happiness. So, what should we do when we feel sad and discouraged? The answer is simple: we must remember what God's Word teaches us and embrace His Word by faith - that is, believe what God says over and above our present circumstances.
If we allow ourselves to get discouraged then we'll fail to become who Christ wants us to be. And who is it Christ wants us to be? He wants us to be full of life and laughter. He wants us to live for eternal things instead of temporary things. He wants us to live like we're on our way to Heaven, because we are. He wants us to be victorious in every situation. He wants us to be overcomers in all things. He wants us to be full of love for everyone we come into contact with everyday. In short, He wants us to be like Him!
But, you may say, "I've messed up so many times, that there is no way God can use me or make me like Christ." WRONG! God is in the business of helping people; that's what He does and He is very good at it. There isn't anything too difficult for God and there is nothing in your life that can't be overcome.
Below is something I came across several years ago that has helped to keep me encouraged. I'm not sure where it came from or who wrote it, but it helps me keep life in perspective anytime I begin to think that I'll never be useful to God. I know it will encourage you as well.
The Next Time You Feel Like God Can’t Use You Just Remember:
Noah was a Drunk
Abraham was Too Old
Isaac was a Daydreamer
Jacob was a Liar
Leah was Ugly
Joseph was Abused
Moses had a Stuttering Problem
Gideon was Afraid
Samson was a Womanizer
Rahab was a Prostitute
Jeremiah & Timothy were Too Young
David had an Affair & was a Murderer
Elijah was Suicidal
Isaiah Preached Naked
Jonah Ran from God
Naomi was a Widow
Job went Bankrupt
Peter Denied Christ
The Disciples Fell Asleep While Praying
Martha Worried about Everything
Mary Magdalene was Possessed by Seven Demons
The Woman at the Well was Racially Mixed & Divorced More Than Once
Zaccheus was Too Small
Paul was Too Religious
Timothy had an Ulcer
And Lazarus was Dead!Thus, we should know by now that God is very capable of forgiving us, helping us to overcome all of life's problems, and He is able to make us stand. God is waiting to fill us up with joy, because He wants us to be strong and ready to face anything. Spend a little time with the God of joy today and see how His joy will change your life! God is so good!
You are the one God loves!
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