When Will God Use Me?
Spiritual maturity is a good thing—something we should all pursue and evaluate from time to time. My father once told me that you can tell you’re heading in the right direction in life if, when you look back, you see growth in four areas: financially, physically, spiritually, and relationally. That growth may come slowly, even in small steps, but what matters most is that you’re moving forward.
The real danger comes when we lose the desire to grow. Sometimes we think we’ve “arrived,” and become prideful or complacent. Other times, life feels too heavy, and we simply give up. But either way, we risk wasting the precious time God has given us. We’re called to steward our lives well—to use the talents, time, and opportunities God has blessed us with. Growth is good. But here’s something we must not forget: God can use us at any point on our journey.
Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking, “Once I’m a little more mature, then God can use me.” But that mindset can leave us stuck on the sidelines, watching others step into the work God prepared for them. When you look at the well-known figures in Scripture, you’ll notice a pattern: they were often unequipped, reluctant, afraid, or deeply flawed. And yet, God used them. Not in spite of their weaknesses, but often through them. That’s not the exception—that’s the norm.
God uses the weak, the struggling, the anxious, the depressed, the doubting—because His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Why? Because ultimately, it’s not about us. Even the strongest, most capable person is still a fragile vessel compared to the glory and power of Almighty God. So when someone broken or fearful steps out and does something extraordinary for the Kingdom, it’s clear who deserves the credit.
Think of Moses, David, Peter, Paul, Solomon, Abraham. Their stories always end the same way: with the glory going to God.
So don’t wait until you feel “worthy.” You never will be—not by your own strength. Don’t wait until you’ve stopped struggling or have it all figured out. Keep growing, yes—but know that God is ready to use you right now. We are weak in our flesh, but the Spirit within us shines bright.
2 Corinthians 4:7–10: But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
If you’re wondering when God can start using you, the answer is simple: right now. Yes, keep striving to grow. But there’s no better way to grow than to step out in faith—far beyond your comfort zone—and watch what God does with a willing heart.