Editor’s Note: This month each Monday, we’ll feature an article version of the devotionals given at the CFYC Spring Retreat. Each retreat, we have had keynote lessons from a book of the Bible as well as shorter lessons or devotionals given by attendees. These ladies did an excellent job and I know our readers who were unable to attend will benefit from the encouragement just as those of us who were able to hear the lessons in person. First up, Kristina Odom from Fairfield, IL. Nervous over her devotional, Kristina chose to give hers on the first night and I know we were all inspired by her giant step out of her comfort zone in order to serve God by lifting us up. Thank you, Kristina!

God has been using people since the beginning of time. He used Adam to make Eve (Genesis 2:21-23). He used Abraham to make a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). He used Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. Moses didn’t want to. He used excuse after excuse.  But God had a solution to any situation Moses could come up with (Exodus 3:11-12, Exodus 3:13-14, Exodus 4:1-5, Exodus 4:10-12). He used lots of people in many different ways. From fishermen to dead people, they were all used for the glory of God. God still uses people today. We just need to allow Him. We just have to say “yes.” He needs us to teach others (Matthew 28:19-20, Titus 2:3-5). We can teach that Bible Class the elders want us to teach. We can stand up in front of a group of ladies and give a devo. We can ask someone to study the Bible with us. What’s the worst thing that can happen? They say “no” but they aren’t rejecting you, they are rejecting God just like they did in Samuel’s day. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).

God uses us for good works. That is why we were created. “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). We can feed the needy. We can visit the sick. We can clothe the poor. Because when we are helping others, we in turn are helping Jesus’ cause (Matthew 25:34-40). We need to find our talents and use them according to God’s will (Matthew 25:14-30).

If we use what God has given us and use it to glorify Him, He will bless us with more talents and more abilities (Matthew 25:14-30). If we hide them, God will take them away and we will not be pleasing Him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Let me encourage you to let God use you. It’s definitely better to be used by Him than anyone else. Get working. Stop making excuses. When an opportunity knocks on your door or Facebook wall, answer it. Don’t let it pass you by. Just say yes, no matter how much that little voice says you can’t. God can do amazing things in your life if you just let Him.

By Kristina Odom
Kristina and her husband, Justin, serve with the church of Christ in Fairfield, IL where her husband is the preacher. Kristina is a stay-at-home mother to their three kids.