Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

When Jesus walked the earth, He didn’t choose the most polished, influential, or seemingly “qualified” individuals to be His closest followers. Instead, He called twelve ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—flawed, imperfect people with doubts, fears, and failures. These men, whom we now know as the Apostles, were not spiritual giants when Jesus found them. They made mistakes, questioned His teachings, and even abandoned Him in His darkest hour. And yet, they were the very ones He entrusted with spreading His message to the world.

This truth is both humbling and deeply encouraging: God doesn’t call the perfect—He calls the willing.

Flawed, Yet Chosen

Take Peter, for example. Bold, outspoken, and often reckless, he had a habit of speaking before thinking. He even denied Jesus three times on the night of His arrest, yet Jesus didn’t disqualify him for his failure. Instead, He forgave him, restored him, and entrusted him with leading His church.

Then there was Matthew, a tax collector—despised by his own people for working with the Roman oppressors. Many saw him as a traitor, but Jesus saw something more. He called Matthew to follow Him, proving that no past mistake or social label can keep us from God’s grace.

And what about Thomas? He doubted. He refused to believe in the resurrection until he saw Jesus with his own eyes. But instead of rejecting Thomas for his skepticism, Jesus met him in his doubts, offering the very proof he needed.

Even Judas, the one who would ultimately betray Jesus, was called into Jesus’ inner circle. This reminds us that God’s invitation is extended to all, even those who may ultimately reject Him.

A Story of Redemption and Grace

The story of the disciples is not one of perfection—it’s a story of transformation. Jesus didn’t choose them because they had it all together; He chose them because they were willing to follow. And through His love, patience, and grace, they were changed.

This is good news for us. How often do we feel unworthy, too flawed, or too broken to be used by God? Maybe you struggle with doubts like Thomas, impulsiveness like Peter, or a past you’re not proud of like Matthew. But here’s the beautiful truth: your imperfections don’t disqualify you.

God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for hearts that are willing to follow Him, even in the mess. He takes the broken, the weak, and the doubting, and He transforms them into vessels of His grace.

God’s Strength in Our Weakness

Scripture reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The very things that make us feel inadequate are often the areas where God’s power shines the brightest.

The disciples didn’t start as spiritual giants, and neither do we. They grew in faith, strength, and wisdom as they walked with Jesus. And just like them, we are works in progress. The journey of following Christ isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about taking one step at a time, trusting that He will continue to shape us.

So when you feel like you’re not enough, remember the twelve disciples. They stumbled, they doubted, they failed—but Jesus never gave up on them. And He won’t give up on you either.

God Can Use You—Right Where You Are

No matter your past, no matter your struggles, God sees potential in you. He sees beyond your failures and insecurities. If He could use fishermen, tax collectors, and doubters to change the world, He can certainly use you.

So instead of waiting to “have it all together,” take that step of faith now. Trust that God’s grace is bigger than your flaws. He isn’t asking for perfection—He’s simply asking for your heart.

Because in His hands, even the most ordinary and imperfect lives can be used for an extraordinary purpose.

You are called. You are chosen. You are loved.

So go forward in faith—God isn’t finished with you yet!