God’s Tool Belt

Did you know you are a tool in God’s hands? Each person who comes to know Jesus Christ as their Savior is God’s workmanship created for good works which God has prepared for us to do. It does not matter whether you come when you are young or old, male or female, a decent citizen or a hardened sinner; when you accept God’s gift of salvation, you become His tool to accomplish His work.

Regularly at auctions we sell tools. They always draw a big crowd and typically sell well. Sometimes we have fancy equipment such as a scroll saw that can fashion creative wood pieces. Other times there is a unisaw, a joiner, or a planer. Each of these tools do specific jobs to make a project easier. Though these expensive pieces are very handy to have, the regular everyday box lots of hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers are also important and ones that a carpenter would not want to be without.

The Apostle Paul was a formidable enemy of the Christians. One day while traveling on the Damascus Road a flash of light from heaven blinded him. In the darkness he heard the Lord speak. Following His instructions Paul was led into the city where he prayed and awaited further instructions. Soon another follower of God, Ananias, arrived, laid his hands on him so he could receive his sight, and told him what God had revealed. Paul would be a chosen instrument to take the name of Jesus to the Gentiles, the kings, and the sons of Israel. Paul was true to this calling and because of his witness thousands of men and women throughout the world have accepted Christ as Savior.

Each of us is also called by God to do His work. Some have special talents that will give them a platform to reach a certain group of people. These “specialized tools” may be gifted athletes, musicians, or speakers. Others of us will be the everyday type of tool – the box lot of hammers or screwdrivers. God may call us to be loving friends, caring neighbors, and faithful workers who do the routine things of life well while letting our gospel light shine before all we meet.

God used Paul’s special talents and knowledge to reach millions of people. His detailed knowledge of the Old Testament and his tenacious personality were just what was needed to endure the hardships of missionary service in a hostile environment.  But God also used the more ordinary Ananias. Where would Paul have ended up if this Godly man had not had the courage and faith to visit Paul, pray for him, and point him in the right direction? Both men were important to God’s plan for reaching the world.

So regardless of what kind of tool you are your job is important – it was created for you before you were even born. Whether you are an expensive scroll saw or just an ordinary hammer in God’s tool belt, remember – when you are in the hand of the Mighty One of heaven, something amazing will result!

Love,

Mama