A Woman God Can Use - Final

After studying these four women mentioned in Matthew 1 (the lineage of Jesus) I have learned several things.  First, our past does not define who we are.  Second, God can use ANYONE to fulfill His purposes. And finally, all things really can work together for the good of those that love Him!

Were you a promiscuous woman?  Did you conceive a child out of marriage?  Is there rape, incest or infidelity in your past?  Did you live through a terrible tragedy?  Have you lost a spouse or child?  Most women can answer yes to some or even all of these questions.  But do you believe that your past defines who you are? God showed us these four women for a reason.  Their past did not define them, and your past does not define you.  In the end, they were all considered to be righteous women: Tamar in Genesis 38:26, Rahab in James 2:25, Ruth in Ruth 2:11-12, and Bathsheba in Proverbs 31:28-31.  You, too, can leave a legacy of righteousness!  2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

Maybe you feel that God cannot use you because of your past.  Do you feel unworthy or weak?  Do you use your circumstances in life as an excuse not to step out and make a difference?  If God can take these women out of their bad situations and use them for His purposes, He can definitely take and use YOU.  1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NIV “…think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”

In the midst of every circumstance, every tragedy, every place of shame, guilt and pain…there is always a promise that we can hold on to.  My number one favorite scripture, my life verse…Romans 8:28.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”   Do you love Him?  Has He called you?  Do you belong to Him?  If so, He WILL take all of the broken pieces of your past and He WILL fit them back together into a vessel that He can use.   Thank you Lord for showing us these four women and what you were able to accomplish through their lives…and for what You can accomplish through each of us if only we will let you!