A Most Difficult Lesson
I
SUPPOSE THE MOST DIFFICULT THING ANY BELIEVER HAS TO LEARN IS THAT
“Without Him we can do nothing.” This is our creed but not
our experience! We will never be effectually used for God’s true
glory until it becomes our experience. God will never use men that
are proud enough to think themselves necessary or capable. He will
throw away the vessel which begins to boast in itself or allows
others to boast in it. Whatever is our strength in the flesh is sure
to become our weakness in the spirit- whether it be our intelligence,
our morality, our length of service, our doctrine, our courage or
whatever. Gideon feared the Midianites because of the small number of
his soldiers, but the Lord said, “Your soldiers are yet too many
for Me.” I wonder if we will ever become weak enough, empty enough,
and ignorant enough for God to use us for His glory! The logic of the
Lord is strange to the natural mind. “For when I am weak, then
am I strong" (II
Cor. 12:10).
“Most
gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the
power of Christ may rest upon me” (II
Cor. 12:9). The Lord must go back to the seashore and raise up
some fishermen – we’ve all become masters and doctors, wise men
in theology and great counselors. I disqualify myself for God’s use
when I become qualified. My fine talents and lofty credentials become
hindrances rather than helps. I thought to prepare myself for great
things, only to learn that it was the rough voice in the wilderness
He planned to use, not the polished preacher; it was the weak,
impulsive shepherd with the sling He planned to use, not the mighty
warrior with his armor of wit and arsenal of facts, doctrines, and
learning. It may not be too late for some, but most are too proud to
become expendable. If we don’t pour contempt on ourselves – God
will!
-Gospel report by preacher Henry Mahan
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