Join the Crowd - Homeword - July 11

Join the Crowd

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. —Hebrews 12:1

I’m not sure about you, but there are many days when I feel unworthy of my calling as a Christian, husband, and father. I’m always encouraged that the “great cloud of witnesses” found in Hebrews 12 refers to the fathers and mothers of our faith (see Hebrews 11). These were not perfect people, but depended daily on God’s strength and power in their lives. My friend Pam Laster sent me the message below and it’s a great reminder for us all. Someone needs to read this today!

No More Excuses - Author Unknown

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 had long hair and was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and 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

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul was too religious

Timothy had an ulcer

AND

Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What types of excuses have you relied upon to suggest that God can’t use you?

2. How can you find encouragement in knowing that great people of faith also had flaws?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 11; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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