He Can Use Even You

SCRIPTURE: “And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.” Joshua 6:25 - 25

There are so many imperfect people in the Bible who were used by the Lord. Abram/Abraham lacked faith and was once governed by fear. Fear caused him to lie and say Sarai was his sister instead of his wife (Genesis 12). Lack of faith caused him to doubt God and lean to his own understanding when it came to believing God’s promise of an heir (Genesis Chapters 12, 15, and 16). Despite these shortcomings, Abraham was used mightily by God and is known as the Father of Faith.

Moses was also imperfect. He was ruled by anger and lacked confidence not just in himself and God. Growing up as the Pharoah’s grandson (Exodus 2:10) with all the benefits that came with it didn’t stop him from becoming a murderer. Moses knew he was Hebrew because he was nursed and raised by his own mother for about 4 years (the formative years) before moving into Pharaoh’s home (Exodus 2). So, when Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he became angry and he killed the Egyptian and hid his body (Exodus 2:11-12). Moses thought no one saw but the Hebrew slaves saw and Moses fled from Egypt (Exodus 2:13-15). Although Moses did not believe the Israelites would follow him (Exodus Chapters 3 and 4) and even though his anger often caused him to represent God poorly (Exodus 32, Numbers 20). God still used him to deliver the Israelites out of bondage. Despite his shortcomings he is known as a humble and great leader who God spoke to
face to face (Exodus 3).

The sins of Abraham and Moses seemed more like character flaws instead of active sins. Can God use those who have a lifestyle of sin? Yes, He can. God, because of His sovereignty, can use anything and anyone for His purpose. God has the power to convict, heal and save to the uttermost. The truth is God shops in the gutter. He’s not looking for the perfect but the imperfect.

Consider Rahab the prostitute. She was a sex worker, liar, and opportunist (Joshua 2). Jericho was fortified by gates that closed the city at night, but Rahab’s home was built into the town wall. She would let down a scarlet rope and her suitors would enter by the rope through her window. Joshua’s spies entered that way. Contrary to some beliefs, it wasn’t Rahab’s sin that put her in a position to honor God (sin does not honor God), but it was her belief and faith in God that made her usable despite her sin. God’s sovereignty over all things including Rahab’s sinful lifestyle, protected the spies (it wasn’t odd that they were there). The King felt Rahab was loyal to him so when she lied about the men not being there the King believed her. Rahab had heard of the Lord, the parting of the Red Sea and how they had overtaken the other Kings. She knew and believed the power of God and used her faith as an opportunity to save her family. So, yes, she was a prostitute, but her belief and faith made her usable despite her sin (Joshua 2).

PRAYER: Thank You Lord for selecting and using us despite our sins. Thank You for showing us that our shortcomings aren’t deal breakers for You. Thank You for the examples of sinners used by You in the Bible, Peter, Paul, Moses, Rahab and others. Thank You Lord for Jesus the Christ the one who makes sinners usable. Amen.
Sis. Patricia Towns