Are You a Vessel?

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Are You a Vessel?

by Karen D. Jeffery

Do you ever wonder where you fit in to God's grand plan? Do you ever wonder if there really is a place for you? When you think about the kind of vessel you are, do words like “chipped,” “cracked,” “broken,” and “dirty” come to mind?

“But the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken, and if it be sodden in a brasen pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water” (Leviticus 6:28).

Maybe you feel like a dusty old jar forgotten on the shelf, or an ugly water jug abandoned by the side of the road.

Maybe you see yourself as a crystal vase—you look good from a distance and people admire you, but a closer look reveals cracks from top to bottom. You couldn't hold water if you tried, let alone provide life to another living being.

When I became a Christian, I had very clear ideas about what my gifts were and how I could be useful to God. My attitude was as follows: God has done so much for me; I want to do things for him in return. Now everybody stand back and watch me work!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Unfortunately, my focus was on me and all the great things I was going to accomplish for God, rather than on God and all the great things He wanted to accomplish through me.

But for years I wondered, why does God use everyone else? What's wrong with me? Deep in my heart, I longed for the significance that can only come when our lives are a channel through which God can work. I wondered why some women were used in such powerful ways to minister to others, while I felt so ineffective. Do you want to be a vessel God can use? Let go of your plans to do great things for God and cling to the truth that God is able to work through an imperfect vessel like you. It begins with an understanding of who God really is and who you are as His Creation. It's a process that involves accepting the purpose for which God has created you, even if it's not the life you envisioned for yourself. It requires being emptied of yourself and allowing God to cleanse you and fill you anew. Then, and only then, will you have anything to give in ministry to others. As you learn to become a moldable, usable vessel in the hands of God—a simple matter of listening for God's voice—you will be able to follow where He leads.

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake” (Psalm 23:3).

About The Author Karen D. Jeffery loves the Heavenly Father, her family, and her church. Keep looking up Jesus is coming soon.

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