“These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him” (Matthew 10:2-4).

Jesus’ disciples were a motley crew and that gives hope to all of us. Peter had moments of great faith, but also occasions of shocking weakness. James and John were hot-tempered and wanted to call fire down on a Samaritan village. Matthew was a tax collector who would have been notably unpopular as a collaborator with the Roman occupation. Thomas was a pessimist and Simon the Zealot would have been part of a terrorist group, the Zealots.

Just that overview of Jesus’ disciples shows His willingness to choose from a variety of backgrounds and personalities in putting together a group of individuals who would change the world. The implications for us are encouraging. He can take us as we are with our unique personalities and histories and use us for His glory when we commit our lives to Him.

Don’t think for a moment, “God can’t use me.” He has demonstrated that He can use anyone who chooses to believe in Him and follow Him.