Nov 09

The vessels that God uses for his work do not have to be fancy or beautiful or skillfully carved as the world defines worthiness. Many people spend years in colleges and job training or work their way up a corporate ladder to what the world defines as success, and it is often these people to whom the world looks to solve its problems and be its leaders.

But, that is looking only on the outside, as the world is so prone to do. God looks on the inside, to see what a person is made of, to see the spirit in a man. For that is what determines his readiness to be used by God.

When Samuel was looking around for the person God had chosen to be king of Israel, a line of possible candidates was paraded before him, and at first Samuel judged them according to outward appearance. But then he heard the voice of the Lord:

"Do not consider his appearance or his height, . . . The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam.16:7).

What does the Lord see when he looks at your heart? Do you want to serve him? Are you available? Are you willing to let him pass you by for now, should that be his will, and let somebody else have that great honor of serving God? And are you then willing to wait and be ready at a moment's notice for the call of your Master to come and serve him? Does it make no difference to you, as long as he is glorified and his will is done?

Scripture for today: 1 Samuel 16:7
Thought for today: Does God see in my heart a willingness to serve him and also a willingness to defer to someone else, should that be His will?
Prayer for today: Lord, whether in active service or serving you by waiting for your call, I worship you and glorify you by obedience to your will.

NOV 09