What's meant by the title of the lesson?  In life, many times, we wish were something else.  Many want to be taller, from a rich family, etc.  The fact is you start from the point you're at or the way you are and grow from there: in other words you "bloom where you are planted."  Of course, we're not talking about earthly things, but spiritual.  That principle is also biblical.  Our text today is 2 Corinthians 8:12.  We, as Christians, are to use what we have and do the best we can in the Lord's service.

1)  THE CORINTHIANS - 1 Cor 16: 1-2; 2 Cor 8: 10,11 - they were commanded to give with what they have, not according to what they didn't have.  That's all that God ever requires of us.  Matt 25: 14-30

2)  DAVID AND GOLIATH - 1 Sam 17: 1-49 - even though Israel had swords and armor, David used what he had.

3)  THE POOR WIDOW - Mark 12: 41-44 - commended by Jesus..how much has that example raised over time?

4)  MARY - MARK 14: 3-9 - Mary used what she had..

5)  PETER - Acts 3: 1-6 - he made have not had silver or gold, but he used what he had.

6)  MOSES - Exodus 4: 1-8 - all Moses had was a rod, but he was required to use it..

7)  PAUL - to many people he left much behind (Phil 3: 1-7), but had the gospel and look what he did with it.

8)  THE MACEDONIANS - 2 Cor 8: 2-5- these people had little, but they were successful with what they had..

9)  THE DISCIPLES - our Lord taught them about a simple cup of water - (Mk 9: 38-41)

10) JESUS - did He have everything? (Isa 53: 1-6)  He also taught about 5 loaves and 2 fishes.

11) YOU AND ME- The question is, why should we use what we have?  It helps save us from condemnation ( Mt 25: 24-30), it shows our love (1 John 3: 17), and it helps others (2 Cor 8:12).  What do we have to use?  We can have money, opportunities, influence and abilities.

Conclusion:  Use what ou have!  Eccl 9: 10