Before God Will Use You (1)

Read: Psalm 105: 17-24

Meditation verse:“They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character” (Psalm 105:18-19, NLT).

Before God uses you, He will take you through a period of preparation. The greater the assignment, the longer and more strenuous the preparation will be. Biblical characters like David, Joseph, Paul and even our Lord Jesus Christ did not start their ministries immediately. They all went through periods of preparation. Joseph moved from his dream to the pit, from the pit to Potiphar’s house, from Potiphar’s house to prison, before he was exalted to the palace. Every step of the way, in character and competence, he was being prepared for his dream. Saul had a 3- year gap before he began his ministry as Paul, the Apostle. Between ages 12 and 30, Jesus immersed himself in scripture, worked with his father, Joseph on his trade and looked after his mother, before He began His ministry at age 30. There are three main areas of preparation: Preparation of Character, Preparation of Competence and Preparation of Circumstances. We will be looking at each in the next couple of days.

Preparation of Character: Certain character flaws need to be dealt with before God will use you. Character is often shaped by trials and suffering. In every trial you face in life, God is teaching you something. James 1:2-4 says “my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing”. If God is going to prepare your character, He may allow you to pass through some not so pleasant experiences and you must cooperate with Him.

Character is also prepared as you mature in your relationship to God . “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor 13:11). Character is shaped in the place of solitude and stillness. “In returning and rest, you shall be saved, in quietness and confidence, shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.