Used… It’s interesting to think of this word and how it can describe both a very positive occurence and a very negative one too. God has been hammering me with this word. In the secular world if someone says “he used me” that is quite negative and the person is usually hurt, and mad. It can happen for many different reasons, one can be used for their money or connections etc. However in Christian circles if you over hear someone say “he used me” it could be a very positive thing.
As Christ followers we often pray “lord please use me”. What I am realizing is we may pray those words with all sincerity but we tend to attach a subconscious expectation. We say “use me” but we are always looking for the return investment. If God uses us in someone’s life we expect great appreciation or to gain a friend. If we reach out to someone we expect them to reach back. Or when we sacrificially give to a God honoring cause we start looking for a financial blessing to fall in our laps. What happens when we obediently tithe and then find ourselves with an unexpected bill? Our flesh starts screaming… “WHAT ABOUT ME!! WHAT DO I GET!! I DESERVE…”
Oh Lord forgive me for getting mad or hurt when You use me and I don’t get in return what I was hoping for. Help my heart to be open and willing to give and love without looking for anything in return. You laid down your life to save me and give me life. I deserve nothing, and yet you gave me everything. Help me to spend my life serving You without expecting things from You.
