A Usable Vessel of Honor
Why do you read these Devotions? The obvious answer is that you are hungry to draw closer to Jesus. There's so much we can learn from the experiences others have had with the Lord. We can share them in many ways. Ours happens to be through writing, but how can you share your testimony with others. The world around you is hungry for truth. The kind of truth that is real, transparent and experienced.
Drawing closer to Jesus isn't just about what that relationship can do for you. It's about experiencing a life that has the potential of seeing others healed, blessed and transformed by the blood of Jesus. You may very well be the closest thing to the reality of Christ that someone else has ever experienced.
If you don't currently feel like your life is a good reflection of His attributes, there's still time for change. Becoming a mirror of His glory can't be something you merit on your own. It must be cultivated through the study of the Word and intimate time with Him.
You may have tried to get closer to God yet have felt nothing... feelings will eventually come, but that should not be the motivation for seeking Him. He must be pursued out of genuine interest in getting to know Him better and becoming transformed into a vessel fully prepared for His service.
As time is spent drawing closer to Jesus you'll be amazed at how much your life and character will change. You may not realize your growth process in your day to day situations, but one day... when you're hit with a trial that would have destroyed you in your past life, you'll realize how much you've really grown. You will no longer become devastated in the face of opposition, but you'll face it with complete faith, peace and trust that He's in control. How could the one you're closest to ever let you down?
It's through the knowledge of the Word of God and an intimate relationship with Him that you'll find the strength you need to overcome every sin, weakness and obstacle in your life. Turn everything else off and begin to seek Jesus. He hasn't forgotten you and you are not rejected. He loves you in a way you've never experienced before and He still has an amazing plan for your life. He desires to recreate you into a usable vessel of honor.
2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV) Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Colossians 3:10 (ESV) And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
