When Heroes FallSample

GOD’S USE DOES NOT EQUAL APPROVAL

Friend, has your hero fallen, and you don’t know what to do now? You may feel conflicted about your hero, and now you question the truth of any of their words. They are not who you thought they were. You may feel betrayed and hurt.

It’s time to face the pain, abandon the lies, and hold on to the truth. It’s time for healing.

Let’s look at one of the many fallen heroes portrayed in the Bible.

The first king of Israel—Saul—became jealous of David and attempted to murder him on multiple occasions. In one instance, Saul was chasing David to kill him when the Spirit of God fell on Saul, and he began to prophesy (1 Samuel 19:18-24).

Why would God’s Spirit fall on a man intent on causing harm? Did God approve of Saul’s actions? No, that’s not what was happening here. God overwhelmed Saul with His presence to protect David, allowing him to escape.

This interaction between David and Saul shows us that God’s presence isn’t the barometer for His approval. God will use whoever He needs to accomplish His will on earth. His use of someone doesn’t mean that He is pleased with them, nor does it mean that the person is godly.

For proof, we have Jesus’s words: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23 NIV).

Even though I have come to accept the truth that God uses sinful people, I know how disorienting it can be. I imagine that as you wrestle to hold God’s use of people and His disapproval of them in tension, you feel confused. That’s normal; however, what helps relieve some of the tension is a sober look in the mirror. An honest view of self will quickly remind you that we are all broken tools, unfit for worship. We all stand on equal ground around the foot of the cross.

In what instances have you mistaken God’s use of someone for His approval of them? How are you feeling about it?