“Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? And whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.” Luke 13:18-19.

“Every testimony brings something of heaven into the atmosphere. It gives us a divine moment when things shift and are transformed because the record of God’s activity is revealed. (Defining Moments: Bill Johnson).” 

If we could see and hear the heartfelt prayers of all God’s beloved children, they would reflect a constant desire to be used for His glory. From a human standpoint, we often imagine magnificent and grandiose ways that the Holy Spirit will guide us in the use of our God-given time, talents, and treasures.“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

But God’s ways and thoughts far exceed ours. Sometimes it’s the small things that seem insignificant to us, that touch the lives of another, so that they can see God in it all! Ephesians 3:20 reminds us: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”                                          

My friends, God faithfully uses our life experiences to open the doors to hope, peace, and increased faith for others.  Our very lives often speak louder than any grand speech or gesture. The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of an epistle, or written letter, to illustrate how our lives serve as witnesses to others. “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:” 2 Corinthians 3:2.

Our actions and words reflect our character. When we align with God’s will, His light shines through us so that others may see His good works. For example, my endocrinologist placed my inspirational book in her waiting room, and it reached the heart of a tearful patient facing a seemingly impossible situation, at that very moment she needed comfort. My friends, God uses our efforts in unexpected ways! 

God created us for His glory!  Although we cannot imagine how far our testimonies reach, we do know that God is working a good work in each of us.  So if you truly want to be used by God, let go and let God lead the way! “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”

In Luke chapter thirteen, Jesus uses the parable of a mustard seed to show how, through His power, our lives yield more than we can even imagine. “Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? And whereunto shall I resemble it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.” Luke 13:18-19. So, while we are yet praying to be used by God, we can be encouraged – He is faithful and is doing great and marvelous things in and through our lives for the upbuilding of His Kingdom!

May God’s peace and amazing grace be with you all.