Christian singer and songwriter Mike Donehey shared a statement with his Instagram audience, which might sound strange to some of them: he said that he stopped praying for God to use him.
Mike Donehey
A Christian singer and songwriter, Mike Donehey, shared an impactful reminder for those who want to serve God. A couple of years ago, while his band, Tenth Avenue North, was backstage at a festival, they were praying the noble prayer, ‘God, use our band.’ Then, the Holy Spirit tapped his shoulder and said, ‘Hey, Mike, what if I want to use the other bands?’
He realized that beneath his prayer lay another request: he was asking God to use his life more than everyone else’s. He discovered that his identity wasn’t solely in being loved by God but in being used by Him.
Furthermore, he addressed the common argument citing Isaiah’s words, ‘Here I am, send me.’ He clarified that Isaiah offered himself as useful, which isn’t the same as demanding to be used.
Mike Donehey [@mikedonehey]. God Use Me. Instagram, January 16, 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0600ptrak6/?igsh=cmM1MzU5dzkxZGJh
An Alternative Prayer
Eventually, he gave an alternative prayer. “Instead of saying, ‘God use me,’ say, ‘God, here I am. I am useful. I would love to be used, but at the end of the day, use anybody you want. That way, when you use someone other than me. I don’t get overcome by jealousy. I get to participate in celebrating that you’re moving.’” he shared.
Moreover, he emphasized the need for people to be reminded that their worthiness to God doesn’t fluctuate based on their usefulness. He shared that they are not commodities for God to exploit, but treasures that Jesus gave His own life to redeem.
“He doesn’t need us (see Acts 17), but thank the Lord, He wants us,” he posted.
Watch the full video here.
Reference | Mike Donehey
Header Image: Mike Donehey [@mikedonehey]. God Use Me. Instagram, January 16, 2024, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0600ptrak6/?igsh=cmM1MzU5dzkxZGJh
