The Man (and Woman) God Uses
When God searches for a man to work … He does not ask, “Has he great natural abilities? Is he thoroughly educated? Is he a fine singer? Is he eloquent in prayer? Can he talk much?”
But, rather, He asks, “Is his heart perfect toward Me? Is he holy? Does he love much? Is he willing to walk by faith, and not by sight? Does he love Me so much and has he such childlike confidence in My love for him that he can trust Me to use him when he doesn’t see any sign that I am using him? Will he be weary and faint when I correct him and try to fit him for greater usefulness? Or will he, like Job, cry out, ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him’? (Job 13.15). Does he search My Word, and ‘meditate therein day and night,’ in order to ‘do according to all that is written therein’? (Joshua 1.8). Does he wait on Me for My counsel and seek in everything to be led by My Spirit? Or is he stubborn and self-willed, like the horse and the mule, which have to be held in with the bit and bridle (Psalm 32.9), so that I cannot ‘guide him with Mine eye’? (Psalm 32.8). Is he a man-pleaser and a time-server, or is he willing to wait for his reward, and does he seek solely for ‘the honour that cometh from God only’? Does he ‘preach the Word’ and is he ‘instant in season, out of season’? (2 Timothy 4.2). Is he meek and lowly in heart and humble?”
When God finds such a man, He will use Him.
*Written by my dear friend: Samuel Logan Brengle, Helps to Holiness, 44-45.
It’s so sad how this concept goes completely against the cultural today. Even within the church we hear, “You have to have ‘this’ ability or ‘that’ kind of education. You have to go to college so that you can continue learning and in order to one day be successful…” I can’t tell you how many times I have been bombarded by these very things said to me and my heart just breaks for those people. To think that this is what they are living their lives for and that God can use this kind of man (or woman) more. Honestly, I am very thankful that this is the way that the Lord looks upon us. It really is all about the heart….thanks for sharing this Nathan!
Is that not also the complete meaning of humility to a Holy God? To trust Him whole heartedly even when a situation looks completely impossible by phsical sight. (Proverb 3:5-6, and John 7:16-18)
Yes I would fully agree Brengle is merely articulating true humility. Andrew Murray also has a great enunciation on what humility looks like in his small book, conveniently called, “Humility.”
Very true! I pray that I may continue to learn how to live that life for Christ!
I pray that the Lord will continue to help and teach me before I go to Ellerslie. And when I get there I pray that my life will still be moved and turned around for the better.
Great post.
Thanks for posting this, Nathan! It deeply stirred and challenged my soul!
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
You are very welcome! The entire book is incredible and Brengle’s biography is one that has stirred much within my soul as of late. Cheering you on!