Lent Devotion - Make Me Your Vessel

Make Me Your Vessel
by Jean Hershey

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21 

I remember hearing about the conversation that my dad had sitting in the presence of his doctor and surrounded by some of my siblings. Upon hearing that his heart was failing and his time on earth nearly over, he didn’t break down. Instead, he gave a very dignified response about how he had lived a good, full life. His kids were all grown and doing well and he was ready.

I often think about how I might respond in that situation. Would I be able to say I’m ready? It leads me to think about my life, how I’ve lived it, and am I worthy in God’s eyes to say I have been a servant and a vessel for His use. I try to be, but as you may relate, it’s hard to stay on track. I fail, I fall, and it seems to become a daily struggle and need for forgiveness, for cleansing.

There is a worship song by Hillsong Worship called New Wine that goes over and over in my mind each time I hear it. The chorus says:
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Make me Your vessel;
Make me an offering;
Make me whatever You want me to be.
I came here with nothing
But all You have given me.
Jesus, bring new wine out of me.

The song goes on to say much more, but that pretty much sums up my daily prayer.

Thank you, Jesus, for making it possible that I can be forgiven and cleansed, even daily, and filled with the Holy Spirit so that I can be a vessel, forgiven and sanctified – useful to the Master! Amen.