In the Bible, we find countless stories of individuals whom God called to undertake extraordinary missions. From Noah building an ark to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, these examples demonstrate that God’s assignments are never easy or convenient. Yet, throughout history, those who have answered His call have experienced the transformative power of saying, “Use me.”
Noah’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s missions often require us to step out of our comfort zones and face ridicule and hostility. When God instructed Noah to build an ark and start civilization anew, his response was one of obedience and trust. Despite not fully understanding the magnitude of the task, he willingly offered himself as a vessel for God’s plan.
Abraham, too, exemplified the willingness to leave behind everything familiar in pursuit of God’s mission. God called him to establish a new community, the people of Israel, in a land unknown to him. Abraham’s faith and obedience allowed him to embrace the unknown, knowing that God would be with him every step of the way.
When confronted with the daunting task of freeing God’s people from Pharaoh’s grip, Moses responded with a resounding, “Use me.” He defied the most powerful man on Earth, risking his own life for the liberation of his fellow Israelites. Nehemiah, David, Esther, Joseph and Daniel followed suit, facing their trials and challenges as they fulfilled God’s assignments.
The ultimate mission was entrusted to Jesus, who was called to reconcile the world to God through His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus understood the importance of passing on this mission to His followers, stating, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21 NKJV. He commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses, spreading the message of His love, grace and forgiveness to the far reaches of the globe.
Today, as followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace a mission that extends beyond the confines of the church. Jesus’ parting words to His disciples resonate with us: “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8. We are called to take His power and love and message of grace into the world to transform lives and change history.
Being a witness does not require us to be a salesperson or to apply pressure on others. Instead, it simply entails sharing what we have seen and experienced in our own lives. Jesus invites us to go into the world, making disciples and teaching them to obey Him. He promises to be with us always, partnering with us as we embark on this mission.
Saying, “Use me” to God opens the door to a remarkable adventure. It prompts us to evaluate our lives, step out of our comfort zones and embrace a mission that is greater than ourselves. When we pray the “Use me” prayer, we invite God to work through us, to prompt us and to reveal His presence in our lives. It is an invitation to experience a partnership with the Creator of the universe and to witness the incredible things He can accomplish through us.
Imagine the impact if every follower of Jesus, within the Texas Conference and beyond, were to wholeheartedly pray, “God, use me.” The ripple effect of such a collective commitment would be astounding. Our little worlds and the greater world would be transformed as we aligned ourselves with God’s mission and allowed Him to work through us.
Embracing God’s mission requires focus, dedication and a willingness to let go of our desires and comforts. It is a call to be available and open to the opportunities God presents us. When we say, “Use me,” we position ourselves as instruments of His love, grace and transformation.
So, let us embark on this adventure with God. Let us evaluate our lives and ask ourselves, “How am I doing? How’s my life? How’s my comfort? How’s my portfolio?” And then, let us surrender ourselves to God’s mission, saying, “God, use me. I’m available.” In doing so, we open ourselves up to a journey that will surpass our wildest expectations and allow us to make a lasting impact on the world around us.
By Elton DeMoraes, D.Min., president of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Alvarado, Texas.
A condensed version of this editorial will appear in the March/April 2024 issue of the Southwestern Union Record.
