1 Corinthians 1:26-30 – My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn’t think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame.

What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him. You are God’s children. He sent Christ Jesus to save us and to make us wise, acceptable, and holy.

Gratitude Day 766

Just in case you have forgotten, God thinks you are wonderful. Amazing. Special.

And I am dead serious about this.

Too often, we think that God prefers those who have great achievements. Have a name that everyone knows. Or prefers someone who has their name on the side of the building.

Honestly? I believe God loves underdogs. Cheers them on. Is very content and happy with people who are normal, everyday people. Just like you and me. God loves you just the way you are.

Often, we get caught up in thinking there is a pecking order for God. I am convinced this is not important to God. If anything, God’s pecking order would look completely different than what our society says the order should be. This is the God who stood up for the woman who the Jewish leaders wanted to stone to death because she had been lived in adultery. Our Jesus healed people with leprosy, the most undesirable disease of his day. Think AIDS on steroids. This is the same man who admired the woman who dropped her last coin into the church offering plate way more than the terribly rich man who stood at the street corner, telling everyone how generous he had been.

Yep, I see this God rooting for those who everyone else has given up on. Loving everyone because we all need to be loved and not because we have ever done one darn thing to earn God’s love.

When I think about God’s desire to love and cheer-on ordinary people, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Yes, we get disappointed with God. Why can’t a cure for cancer be found? Did we really need a worldwide pandemic? Why can’t people be nice to each other and get along? Before we blame God for every bad thing that happens in the world, let’s remember there is evil and sin which pervade our society. Evil and sin that does a lot of really awful things.

If you are wondering if God can still use you, please be assured God can and God will. If we are willing to open ourselves up to being used.

God uses the convenience store worker who greets people with a smile day in and day out.

God blesses the grandparent who feels like a taxi service.

God empathizes with the parent who feels stretched and overwhelmed.

God has compassion for the person who feels they have let others down.

God sees gifts and talents in you, no matter what your age, occupation, or skills are.

God places within your life opportunities to show up and simply be with someone who needs a listening ear.

God wants to hold your hand when you feel others have wronged you and hurt you.

God is your biggest cheerleader when something wonderful happens in your life.

God will also be your safety net when the world feels like it is falling apart or there is one more challenge that comes along.

God does not expect you to be fancy, always at the top of your game or invincible. Rather, God uses ordinary people, like you and me, who have a heart open to being used for God’s kingdom. God reaches us one minute at a time and encourages us to be with one person today who simply needs a loving smile, hug or word in their lives.

You are valued and loved by God. You are enough. No matter what has happened in your life or what you have not done, God loves you. Period. Read that again. God loves YOU. Period.

You are enough.

Just in case, you needed to hear this today, I wanted to share this little message.

And by the way, aren’t the sunflowers fantastic? Rick planted them in our garden this year. They are such a breath of sunshine and place a smile on my face when I look at them. Just like God does when God sees you in this world!  

For God’s unconditional love for me and who I am, I am very grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – Thank you for loving me just the way I am, warts and all. Thank you for accepting me as I am. May I accept Your love and care today. Amen.

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