Used by God

I always surprised by the way God works.

Recently the power for our office went out. It was only for the upstairs office so most of us were able to continue working. After a bit, an electrician named Barry came to fix the problem. I found our later he was from eastern Europe and still spoke with a very thick accent, making everything he said that much more entertaining to listen to. While he was upstairs working, he struck up a conversation with one of the pastors at our church. I became aware of this conversation as it grew more intense as what was the dull murmur of a casual interchange evolved into a passionate debate. Sitting at my desk, I couldn't quite make out what they were discussing so I went upstairs to see what all the fuss was about (and to see if I could join in of course). As it turns out Barry and this pastor had very different ideas about what America should do regarding health care reform. As soon as I heard the topic, I retreated back down stairs before I had a chance to display my willful ignorance on the subject.

A few minutes later the noise of the conversation was over and the power restored to the upstairs. Both parties came down the stairs laughing and agreeing to disagree. (Which is usually both people laughing at the frustrating stalemate and apparent stupidity of the other person). Barry left and the pastor informed of the conversation and, of course, how wrong and crazy Barry was. This pastor really wasn't upset, but he was laughing and marveling at what had just happened. The part conversation breakdown that intrigued me the most was that Crazy Barry was a Christian. However, he was not committed to any particular church. He didn't like the institutionalized church or the having to commit to a local body. It became apparent to me that Crazy Barry had been hurt by the church and didn't want to risk being hurt or tied down by it again. He loved doing his job, and just being a Christian. Though I didn't totally agree with his position, I decided I liked Crazy Barry and would have enjoyed talking with him. I told the pastor this, and he laughed and said I was crazy too.

About twenty minutes later, the door opened and in came Crazy Barry the Electrician. He wanted to give his card to the pastor so they could talk again, and so Barry could convince him of his position. The pastor had left to run an errand and so me and a co-worker became his new captive audience. We talked for a bit and I kept trying to steer the conversation away from the evils of capitalism and the benefits of socialism to more important things like God and Christianity.

I don't remember much of the conversation. Barry really liked to talked, and wasn't really in the mood to do a lot of listening. So me and my friend sat and mostly listened to Barry talk about life and government and God. Much of it was emotionally charged rambling with various little statements about how people should live and what people should do for a living. There really wasn't much in the way extraordinary or memorable about topics he went over.

But as the conversation was winding down, it took a turn. Barry's face changed from someone who wanted to prove they were right, to being completely honest. He talked about how he knew he wasn't perfect and wishes he was less of a "prick" to people. He really had a desire for people to come to know God and follow what He wants them to do in life. Obviously he didn't have it all figured out, but he was honest about who he really was before a holy God and what the main purpose in life is. He said he was glad that God works through people who aren't perfect and even uses their imperfections to advance his kingdom.

Maybe Crazy Barry isn't so crazy after all.

God not only uses those who are listening to him, but also those who are trying to ignore him. God is bigger than our feeble attempts to derail his plans and desires. He is the one who is in control. Christians understand this and want to be used by God in accomplishing his will. But they are not the only one God uses. God uses people even when they are working against him. He will use anyone and everyone to display his power and bring people to him. Remember Pharaoh?

I wish I could say I was always willing to be used by Him, but the reality is that I'm not. I am selfish, prideful, arrogant... and the list goes on. I know that God works in spite of all this though. Jesus said that God is always at work. He is true when I am not. Faithful when I am not. Holy when I am not. But God chooses to work through me anyway. Even when don't get it.

Or, to put it in much simpler terms -

"God uses a**holes, and sometimes its your turn." - Barry the Electrician.

God works through my failures. Just because I did not respond in love to a person, does not mean God won't use that interaction to further his kingdom. He is bigger than our mistakes and works through all situations. We are all being used by God all the time. I pray that we all are being shaped more into the image of his Son so that we become partners with God, rather than reluctant participants.