Daily Devotional for March 16, 2021

Years ago, Shannon, whose middle name is Jackhammer, decided that I should write a devotional for each day of the season of Lent.  Knowing that Shannon was not going to give up – EVER – I decided it was in my best interest to do what she told me to.

What started as a small number of devotionals evolved into the Daily Devotionals. 

While I don’t know exactly how many devotionals I have written, our church historian has assured me it is well over 1,500.  This got me thinking.

When I was in junior high, I was intrigued with the story of Balaam’s donkey.  I have to admit, the reason I thought it was such a great story is because the King James Version used the word ass instead of donkey. 

My favorite part of the story begins with the words, “And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass……” (Numbers 22:28)

That’s the sort of things little boys think is funny.

Now that I’m a lot older and still just as immature, I have come to the conclusion that if God can speak through a donkey, that means God might even be powerful enough to speak through me. 

The point to this meandering devotional is God can, and does, speak through us.  All we have to do is be faithful and have a willing heart.  God is the One who does the heavy lifting.

So today, be aware that God has a message he wants you to share with someone.  It may be a person who has suffered a tremendous personal loss, someone who realizes they don’t have enough money to pay the bills, someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal disease, or someone that desperately needs to hear they are truly loved in this loveless world.

When Jesus sent out his disciples, he helped them understand God would be speaking through them by saying, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”  (Matthew 10:19-20)

Is it risky to be used by God?  You bet.

There may be rejection, ridicule, or even something worse.  But that’s okay because your time in this world is nothing more than a blink of an eye when compared to the eternity you will spend with a loving, gracious God.

So, choose today to be a mouthpiece for God.  And rest assure, if God can open the mouth of an ass, or use a dense pastor named Tom, God can use you.  It’s a guarantee.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I offer myself to you without hesitation, procrastination, or reservation for your purpose.  Speak through me to help others know your love, grace, and mercy.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Always remember, you may be the only Bible someone ever reads.

Let God open your mouth and be blessed.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins