It’s not who God uses but what God uses

 Wednesday’s Word

​ Philippians 1:15-16
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
Have you ever been hungry…real hungry? I was so excited to get into my new Bible study. Id’ been hungry for a while, craving some deep truths found in His Word. Unfortunately, I got hung up, sidetracked by the beginning pages, you know, the forward, the author’s accomplishments and affiliations. And before I knew it I was in the midst of a real ugly cry.
Why?  My biggest “why” that day was as a result of comparing myself to other authors and their audiences!
I won’t get into all the other whys I had for Him that morning, but suffice it to say that when I did finally make it into the beginning of the study I got most of them answered with these two verses. See, Paul was imprisoned when he penned these verses, imprisoned because of his faith and others’ false accusations. He didn’t have social media to stir him up, but he did have many supporters, prayerfully and monetarily who kept him somewhat informed.
While he was imprisoned, there were those who tried to imitate what he started, but with the wrong heart. In other words their hearts were not for others, but more for their own selves, their own popularity and profit.
What’s so beautiful about that ugly truth? I’m glad you asked.
If you read further, Paul acknowledges his complete trust in HIM whom he was imprisoned for. Paul says that it doesn’t matter who is preaching; it matters what they are preaching, and even if their reason for doing so doesn’t align, the message they preach will NOT come back void. Isn’t that the goal, that we each are a part of the eternal puzzle, every piece representing a soul uniting with Him?
So instead of focusing on who you are reaching, trust that He’s got the “what” and the “how”! He uses all things, and all means all! He will sort it all out.
As I finished up my study for that day, He had some questions for me: Is what you do with Transform in the Trench helping others? Yes, I answered without hesitation. Is what you do helping others turn toward Me? Yes again Lord! That is my heart’s passion.
Then let me handle the details; don’t focus on others, who is reaching who, because that causes striving and surviving; I long for you to be thriving in this exciting ride of living with and for Me.    
Writing from my heart to yours, 
Kim Lepins