There’s a quiet prayer I’ve found myself repeating lately:
“Use me, Lord… but gently.”
Not because I’m unwilling.
But because I’ve walked through seasons where my yes was misused.
Where my willingness was mistaken for weakness.
Where I gave freely — and it cost me more than it should have.
But when God calls, He doesn’t use us like that.
He doesn’t push past our boundaries or pull us into places that harm.
His voice doesn’t manipulate.
It invites.
And His use doesn’t leave me empty — it brings me back to life.
So I’m learning to trust this:
That when I surrender to Him, it won’t break me.
It will grow me.
Heal me.
Steady me.
And when I say yes from this place,
it won’t be out of pressure —
but peace.
So Lord, here I am.
Still willing.
Still soft.
Still Yours.
Use me — in ways that make me more whole,
not less.
— Psalm 86:15 (NIV)