God Uses People

What are words if no one listens?  What is love if no one receives?  What is forgiveness if no one repents?

Recently, these questions puzzled my mind as I reminisced and considered the many, restless years that I walked without Christ.  My life was lonely and filled with confusion, because I had chosen to live in my own strength, without recognizing the supremacy of God.

Though concerned people talked to me about the beauty of God’s divine nature; His love for humanity; and that Jesus was God in flesh and died for my sins, I refused to listen.

I wondered why it took so long for me to find meaning to the words that were spoken by these genuine, caring individuals.  Though they were meaningful directives to abundant living, I side-stepped endeavors of those trying to share their faith, because my spirit was rebellious and lost.  But God’s timing was and is perfect.  He knew what would bring me to Him.                                          

God uses people to demonstrate love and compassion to souls that are searching for answers.  His plan is accomplished as they encourage others in the ways of right living.  A person witnessing for Christ must not become discouraged when they assume people are not listening to the words they speak; they are.  Their thirsty soul is like a sponge, even though outside actions say otherwise.   Answers are desired and needed even though the questions are not asked.

God uses words that are presented in love to set ajar the door of a person’s heart, thus, preparing the heart to understand and recognize their need of a Savior.  It takes a little longer for some people, but God is patient.  In time His plan is fulfilled in their life.

After many years of running from God I finally understood the meaning of shared words regarding God’s love and forgiveness.  My soul became fertile, because of faithful people doing God’s work. 

One by one they came, until I received the seed of God’s plan.  Words of encouragement and concern allowed the Holy Spirit to till and prepare the soil of my heart, which enabled roots of understanding to take hold from the planted seed. 

I was ready to hear, believe and receive the things of God.  Every effort that was extended to me by God’s people; planting and watering the seed of God’s plan; finally came to fruition.  Amazingly, I began to comprehend what they were talking about.  It took time, but repentance was offered and forgiveness was manifested.  I became a child of God!

When a follower of Christ testifies about God’s omnipotent power and how it sets people free from the bondage of sin, it facilitates the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing souls to Jesus.  Believers can only tell of God’s amazing grace, but God makes the words come alive and become powerful; piercing the hardest of hearts.

The simple words that are spoken in love and the acts of kindness expressed by committed Christians help people to realize sin in their life and the need of a Savior.  At this juncture, forgiveness becomes reality when the wayward soul petitions God for deliverance.  Peace and harmony that were missing now flows like a fountain of living water.  The emptiness and deep longing of the heart is satisfied.

God changes a person completely.  The old, sinful nature that possessed their soul passes away, and all things become new through Christ Jesus.  The Lord sets free those that are bound, because God’s love is for anyone that desires fulfillment in living.  God yearns for one and all to repent of their sins and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

As a person allows God to work through their efforts of sharing their faith with those needing direction, it enables lost souls to find peace.  The walls of bitterness, resentment and doubt crumble as a result of Christian testimony.  It opens the eyes of the wayward soul that God is no respecter of persons, and that His love is big enough to include them in His perfect plan of salvation.

God uses people to bless others with the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the only means of becoming saved, and that there is no other way to make heaven their home except through Him.  (Acts 4:12) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

God’s plan is accomplished when lost souls ask forgiveness of past sins.  You too can become a testimony of God’s love, and plant seeds of your own, because God uses people.

Written by,

Papa Boyd