November 12, 2020

A professor once asked me, when I was in college, “If you were an animal, what animal would you say you were and why? To this day, I think about how relevant that was to seeing myself as I was, but also as I wanted to be. By the way…I was a rabbit because I was energetic and easygoing and a little shy:) I wanted to be more outgoing , like a puppy. And this relates to us how, you ask?

Looking at ourselves in a different way may help us see what we need to change or keep doing. For example, if the professor asked me what tool I was in God’s garden shed, I would have to do some deep thinking about my purpose, work experience and helpfulness to Him. There is absolutely no judgement here, only an invitation to think about our purpose from God’s point-of-view. Here are some questions to consider:

What gifts has God given me that can sow His Word?

What shape am I in, as a tool, shiny and new, or well-used?

Am I an obedient tool? Do I work like I am supposed to?

Do I hide in the back of the toolshed so I don’t get called to work?

What is our job as a tool? Is it to understand God’s plan or just be available?

Will we do any dirty work that He wants or just the easy stuff?

For this devotion, you may want to write out your answers in your journal. I will do the same.

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. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

And let not us grow weary in doing good for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Dear Father,

We know You can do all things without us, but we also know You want to use us to spread the gospel. As we ask ourselves questions and read Your word, please enlighten us to Your purpose for our gifts. Give us opportunities to use them for Your glory. We know that gifts of encouragement and sympathy and compassion are just as important as other seemingly great talents. May You find us to be a willing and useful tool for Your glory. You deserve all praise forever! Amen