Isaiah 10:15

Does an ax take over from the one who swings it?

Does a saw act more important than the one sawing?

As if a shovel did its shoveling by using the one who dug the ditch!

As if a hammer used the carpenter to pound nails!

Here in Isaiah God uses the pictures of an ax, a saw, a shovel and a hammer to make an observation that is obvious. The instrument should never take credit for what the worker accomplishes with it. When we are operated on the surgeon uses a scalpel, yet the scalpel can’t take credit for what the surgeon does. All the knowledge and the skill belong to the user, not the instrument.

It is easy for some instruments of God to become proud. It is all important that we keep our perspective as an instrument. It is wonderful as it is to be an instrument in God’s hand and to be used for His purpose and His glory. We must always keep in mind that the instrument deserves no special glory. An instrument without the hand of the Master is useless and can carry out nothing of itself. Believers and ministries should not ever take one ounce of credit for anything God has accomplished through them as an instrument.

Jesus said that our attitude should be:

So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)

The problem that occurs is that many times it is easier to handle failure and meekness than it is riches, strength and great success. When we lack things; when we are poor and impoverished, we are easily able to see and realize our needs, and the necessity for God to work and perform on our behalf. But when great success, riches and sometimes fame comes our way, the prosperity persuades many that they no longer need God’s help, or that they are responsible for their own success.

When we are used as an instrument of God let us always be reminded that He alone is the one who accomplishes all things. We are but humble servants and vessels prepared for His service.

So if there are great things happening in your life, church or ministry, remember all blessings and success comes from God and God alone. We are never self-sufficient and always need to realize our reliance upon Him. As you encounter success and prosperity, be careful how you handle it before God and man. Enjoy, and rejoice in all that God is doing in your life, enjoy His blessings as He raises you up in your family life, in your business efforts and/or your ministry. Just please be reminded that you are never in charge, He is.

Remember as Isaiah pointed out in scripture, we are but mere instruments in His hand to carry out His purposes; and it would be as absurd of us to boast of what we have done, as it would be for the axe to boast when it had been welded with effect. In the axe there is no wisdom, no skill, and no power of itself. The axe may clear the forest but it is not by any skill or power by which it possesses. It is only in the hands of God, and when directed by His unseen arm that we are able to accomplish His designs as He is the Ruler of the universe. And even though we are free as believers in the blood of Christ, we are under the direction of God, and are directed to carry out only His purpose and His designs.

We are but instruments in the hands of the Master — all credit, all honor and all glory belongs to Him and Him alone.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace

Where there is hatred, let me spread love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is darkness, light

Where there is sadness, joy

  Lord make me an instrument