You and I are full of messes, things that need cleaned up, things that need worked on, things that need organized. I know, not so encouraging right?….But wait, read on as I explain more…..I promise, it will make you feel better, not worse.

I say all that to actually encourage you. I’m sure there are messes in your life that need cleaned up whether that be spiritually, emotionally or relationally. And, you know what that’s ok. Welcome to every person in the world’s battle. You aren’t alone!

Do you know that Jesus called disciples that were “messy.” Some had a bad past. Some lied, cheated, stole, were imprisoned. But He didn’t do a background check on them and say “Sorry, nope… you aren’t qualified because of your past.” Jesus doesn’t do that. He used messy people then and He uses messy people now. The only must is that you ask Jesus to forgive you, turn from your wicked ways and follow Him.(2 Chronicles 7:14). This is what Jesus’ disciples did and for that, God used them mightily.

So if you are questioning your potential in Christ and in ministry, remember God uses your mistakes and failures, your trials, your testimony….for GOOD.

You ARE qualified. Just ask God to use you as His vessel. Talk to Him and hear His voice and follow as He leads.

I will personally share some of my messes….I don’t always take the time read the Bible and pray. It feels like a task to me sometimes. The thing is when I don’t spend time with God, it is like walking into a kitchen full of dishes. I see the mess. I’m annoyed with it and I’m mad at myself for not cleaning up. The same goes with my walk with Jesus. I don’t always keep my “spiritual kitchen” cleaned. Another example is I struggle with jealousy and I often open up Facebook and get envious of those on vacation or having these perfect little family photographs. I compare myself to the little homemakers who have dinner and desserts on the table every night. I talk about this often, but Facebook is not “real life.” Behind the 5 second smiles and beach pictures with the hair blowing in the wind are a lot of messes. We don’t see the Dad that yells and cusses at their kids and those kids that cry on their pillow after hearing that. We don’t see the mom that is an alcoholic and goes out and parties leaving her kids at hime playing video games till 2:00 am. We don’t see the mean and nasty words spoken between a husband and a wife. We don’t see the people who are missing out on life because their eyes are glued to their phone. I could go on and on.

My point is….everyone has messes in their life. Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t think you are too messy to be used by God.

My most useful part of helping people is when I am vulnerable and share my testimony, my mistakes and my struggles.

People don’t relate to seemingly “perfect”people.

I’ve “personally”witnessed a room full of ladies that meet once of week for a Bible study stop and turn their heads when someone begins to share their struggles, their mistakes, their testimony. They share about depression, anxiety, parenting struggles and more. And I’ve observed the atmosphere in the room change as more than one lady in there realizes…”I’m not alone!” Vulnerability is so helpful in encouraging others. Let your testimony touch someone. And then there are those lovely ladies who bring scripture into the conversation which is such an encouragement as Jesus speaks right to us from His word. Don’t keep your messes, your story or your journey quiet. As God leads, open up to those who need to be encouraged. I used hold it all in. I was ashamed and embarrassed. But since I have opened up, God has used me and for that I am so grateful and I give Him all the glory.

So, quit letting messes hold you back! Let God use you! He is waiting to put you on His assignments. There are so many out there longing to hear from Jesus and you can be that vessel used by Him!

2 Corinthians 12:9-But He said to me.”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities , that the power of God may rest upon me.