I have been reading through the Old Testament story of the prophet, Samuel. What an amazing man! He walked so closely with God — heard the Lord’s voice so well — that he repeatedly knew very specific details of events that would occur long before they happened. God’s hand was clearly upon Samuel in a strong way.
That’s why one scene in his story seems out of place to me. It happened just after Samuel delivered the Word of the Lord to Saul that he was being rejected as the King of Israel. God told Samuel it was time to anoint someone else as king, and even told him the family where he would find the new king. Samuel responded, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me” (1 Samuel 16:2).
Samuel walked closely with the Almighty Creator of All, yet he was suddenly afraid of Saul. He had recently rebuked Saul to his face, but became too afraid of him to anoint another man as king. Doesn’t this seem a bit odd?
Throughout history, with the obvious exception of Jesus, the Lord has only worked through flawed and sinful human beings. No matter how spiritually attuned to His voice, none of us is perfect.
To some historians, the phobias of the great reformer, Martin Luther, make him appear like a madman. Yet without his influence the Church, and even the entire world, would be far different from what we know today.
If you’re waiting until your life is all straightened out before you think God can use you, think again. Through a flawed a person like you — and like me — is how He does His work.
To Make You Think 
Encouraging word. Thanks.
Boy I needed that today! God has asked obedience of me in a huge outside of myself, risky way. At times I feel so insufficient for the task. It’s good to remember that’s who he uses, even the ‘greats’ were broken people.
Inspiring….love it.