What Does God Look for in a Person He Will Use?

Surely the HR director in Heaven has a list of qualifications for those who will serve in Kingdom work.  I can’t imagine that it doesn’t include some high standards:Holy.  (1Peter 1:16)Humble.  (Ephesians 4:20)Contrite. (Psalm 51:17)Serving (Mark 10:43)Loving (John 13:34-35)Oh dear.  These requirements seem impossible, and there are many more.  To say nothing of being actually qualified to do the work.And yet, I have seen God use people—even in amazing ways—who in no way measure up to these standards.I remember observing the leaders in a ministry I was briefly acquainted with.  It was obvious that God was willing to use them to bring real change to the lives of those entrusted to them.  And yet there were character flaws that it seemed to me should have disqualified them.  They were clearly inadequate and unworthy.Then I read these amazing verses:  “(I)who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid….” This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him… I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.  I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me….” (Isaiah 44:28; 45 1,4-5)Cyrus, a pagan king, who does not acknowledge God, is called God’s shepherd and anointed, and in other translations, His servant.  He was given a holy task to subdue the surrounding nations and to rebuild the temple.Amazing!  God must be willing to use anyone!Oh yes.  He has even been willing to use me.  And though, gratefully, God has been faithful to grow me into greater Christlikeness, so that some of those qualifications listed above are sometimes a little evident in my life, I still marvel that He would/could ever use me.I am clearly inadequate and unworthy for Kingdom work.But that’s the wonder of it.  God doesn’t wait until we are qualified, or adequate, or worthy.  He pours His grace on us and His Holy Spirit into us—and accomplishes more than we can ask or imagine in building His Kingdom.Through me.  Through you!And I?  I am on my face in gratitude.What about you?  How has He used you by His grace and His Spirit?C2012 Judy Douglass