A Fit Vessel

A lot of people look at those in ministry and think, “Why can't I be used like they are?” People will talk to me about my relationship with Christ and say, “ I wish I had a relationship with Him like you have!” We are not exceptional people that God placed this incredible desire within us to seek and serve Him, it was a process to get to this point. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying any of us have arrived but for all who serve Christ in any capacity there had to be a moment in time they decided that pursuing Him was more important than anything else. 

You see, for me, I knew that changes needed to be made in my life. I was miserable and depressed, and I was making everyone else in my life feel the same way. I started out with just a hunger for change and as I began disciplining myself to passionately pursue the Lord, the focus changed from my problems to desiring more of Him. There was a price to pay, less time for myself and the things that I needed to do, and more time seeking Jesus, renewing my mind in the Word, developing my relationship with Him, and crucifying my flesh. 

So, what you see when you look at those who are fully surrendered to Christ is not just a people who are abiding in the favor of God, although we certainly are, but we are broken fragments that are being reshaped into the image of God, vessels designed for His work! Does that make us special?

Absolutely not! What He's done for me, He desires to do in you. As you pay the price, it may take years to develop the character He desires within you but know this, as we seek to draw closer to Him and read His Word, He is forming us into His image, a vessel fit for the service of the King!

2 Timothy 2:20-22 (NKJV) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 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. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.   

Galatians 5:24-25 (KJV) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

John 15:4-5 (NKJV) Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].