Edition 13
I Feel Used
Last Edition Recap
How have you applied the last edition to your life?
Opening Prayer
Father God, show us how being used by You transforms our flaws into purpose. Amen.
Introduction
“I feel used.” The phrase stings when it means betrayal—hearts broken, money conned, trust shattered. But imagine saying it differently: “I feel used” with a smile, knowing you mattered, that you were positioned perfectly to help someone you love. There’s a picture of matches—some burnt, some pristine. Which fulfilled its purpose? We celebrate biblical heroes: Noah saved humanity, Moses parted seas, David slew giants, Paul planted churches. But here’s what we conveniently forget: Noah was a drunk. Abraham was too old. Moses had a speech impediment. Gideon hid in fear. Samson was a womaniser. Rahab was a prostitute. David was an adulterer and murderer. Elijah was suicidal. The disciples argued about who was greatest. Paul murdered Christians. God doesn’t use perfect people—He uses available people. The burnt match in the picture fulfilled its purpose whilst the unused ones remain pretty but pointless. Which would you rather be? The question isn’t whether you’re qualified; it’s whether you’re willing to be struck, to burn, to be used for something eternal.
Chat Point 1
How would you describe the difference between being used negatively versus being used purposefully?
What flaws or failures convince you that God couldn’t use you?
Which biblical character’s weaknesses most mirror your own struggles?
How does knowing God used murderers, adulterers, and cowards change your self-perception?
What might God want to ignite in your life that requires you to be “struck” like a match?
Read
Matthew 5:13-16 and John 3:16-21
Key Focus
Matthew 5:13-14 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world…”
Chat Point 2
What stood out for you about Jesus declaring you ARE salt and light, not that you should become them?
How does God not sending His Son to condemn but to save affect your understanding of being used?
What excuses do you typically give for not letting God use you?
If Jesus personally told you “You are the light of the world,” how would your daily choices change?
What specific area of darkness around you needs the light only you can bring?
Final Thought
Look at those matches again. The burnt one looks destroyed, used up, finished. But it’s the only one that fulfilled its created purpose—to bring light, to transfer flame, to ignite something greater. The pristine matches remain in the box, safe but useless. God specialises in using the burnt, broken, and flawed. Noah the drunk built the ark. Moses the stutterer confronted Pharaoh. David the murderer wrote psalms. Paul the persecutor spread the Gospel. You think your past disqualifies you? It’s your resume. You think your weaknesses limit God? They’re His specialty. Jesus doesn’t say you might become salt and light—you ARE. Present tense. Right now. With all your flaws. The greatest feeling isn’t being protected from use; it’s knowing you matter to God’s eternal movement. When you allow God to strike you like a match, you’ll burn with purpose. Yes, you’ll be used up, but you’ll illuminate darkness, transfer His flame, ignite other souls. “I feel used” becomes your testimony, not your complaint. Which match are you? The one still in the box, or the one fulfilling its purpose?
My Action
What key insight or learning from this session resonates most with me, and what do I sense God is inviting me to do in response?
Shared Prayer
What are your prayer requests?
Closing Prayer
Lord God, strike us like matches that we might burn brightly for Your Kingdom’s purpose. Amen.
In-Between Chats: Personal Reflection
What specific flaw or failure are you allowing to keep you “in the box” rather than being used by God?
Where is God positioning you right now to be salt and light, and what’s your next step?
How would embracing “I feel used by God” as a positive declaration change your perspective this week?
Edition Writer: Rev Kevin Zondagh
Ordained Minister, Life Coach, Couples Coach, Executive Coach. Founder of CoffeeChatConnect and Exemplar Coaching Pty Ltd.