by Shayla Asselin
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Imagine you get done shopping, head to the parking lot, see your dream car and decide that’s the car you want to drive today. So, you walk up to the owner and tell them you need to borrow their car for the day. They hand you the keys and off you go. Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds really crazy, especially in today’s society. But that’s kind of what Jesus did in Luke 5.
In Luke 5:1, “people pressed upon [Jesus] to hear the word of God.” Since they were by the sea of Galilee, Jesus looked for a more efficient way to teach the crowd. On the seashore, He saw two boats. He entered one of the boats and asked the fisherman to go out a little ways from the shore so that he could teach the crowd. This fisherman’s name was Simon Peter, who was not yet called to be Christ’s disciple. Even though Peter didn’t fully understand the significance of what Christ was going to do, he allowed Jesus to use his vessel. In this instance, Jesus partnered with Peter.
Now we know, because we’ve read Matthew 14:14, that Jesus can walk on water. And since this is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, it seems like this would be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate His power to the large crowd around Him. How impressive would it have been for Jesus to just walk out on the water and stand on the waves teaching people? That would have been a “WOW” moment don’t you think?
But He didn’t do that. He wanted to use Peter’s vessel. Just like He wants to use your vessel. Just like He wants to use your life.
Insecurities and self-perception make it so hard to understand why Jesus, the man who by the power of His word, could calm raging seas, heal blinded eyes, and bring life back to a dead man would ever want to use us.
These insecurities are often our greatest enemy because they become excuses.
I can’t do this for Jesus because I’m too young and I can’t do that for Jesus because my vessel is a little too beat up.
If we look at Luke 5:2 again, we’ll read that the Bible mentions two boats. Now this is my opinion, but I believe if Peter would have said “No.” when Jesus asked to use his vessel, God would have gotten in the other boat. This is important to understand, because God is going to use somebody. Why not let it be you?
This may be a tough pill to swallow, but Jesus doesn’t need your vessel. That sounds harsh, but what is so beautiful is that Jesus wants to use you. He will not force himself on you, but He does stand at the door and knock.
He asks that you see yourself as the capable, useful woman He created you to be.
When Peter loaned Jesus his boat, he had no idea what he had just gotten himself into. Throughout the next three years, Peter witnessed deaf ears opened and dead men come alive. God will blow your mind if you let Him. Leave your insecurities at the feet of your Creator and live the abundant life He created you to live.
