Each Serves a Purpose in God's Eyes

“Consider that fact that, being nothing in ourselves, we cannot, without divine assistance, accomplish the smallest good or advance the smallest step toward Heaven.”  - Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Who hasn't taken one of those self-tests where you rate your strengths and weaknesses? You know what I'm talking about! They can be found in some magazines, newspapers, or online. Ok, I have to admit that I'm guilty. I have taken a few just for fun. After all, who doesn't want to know?

Seriously though, all of us have certain strengths and weaknesses that define who we are. These can fall under various categories such as, character, physical, and emotional, etc. Doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals love to discuss this topic because of its appeal to our curiosity.

Perhaps you can remember a time, or two, when you were asked to describe your strengths and weaknesses. This might have happened when you were in school, or during a job interview. No matter, when put on the spot, it can be both difficult and nerve-wracking for most of us to come up with something that sounds halfway intelligent. Agreed?

As Christians, or believers in Jesus Christ, we too confront our strengths and weaknesses. It's not easy following Our Lord. This applies just as much today as it did at the time of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12). Interestingly, God himself used the strengths and weaknesses of many people, both ordinary and extraordinary to get things done.

Folks like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets were some that were handpicked by God because of their strengths and/or weaknesses. Thus, they were enabled by Him to perform exploits beyond anything that they might have been able to do on their own.

Some like Samson and Hezekiah were even uplifted from their physical issues and roused for battle. Honestly, God doesn't concern Himself too much with our strengths and weaknesses. He already knows all about them (Matthew 10:30; Luke 12:7). There are no secrets between us and God (Psalm 94:11; 139:1-4).

Once God has set His mind on using you to fulfill His purpose, He will use you whether you are a willing participant or not. Jonah tried running away from God because he was too afraid, and maybe a little too self-centered to do God's work. Didn't matter. God still used him to help get his message across to the people of Ninevah.

That's the truly marvelous thing about God's plan for us. We all have a useful purpose in His eyes. What we may perceive as strengths and weaknesses are practical means to an end to God. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we would only recognize each other in the same loving and unconditional way?

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15; John 8:32; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 3:20

Prayer: Dear Lord, how humbled am I that You accept me as I am; my imperfections and virtues You merge together as one for Your mighty and glorious works. Amen

God bless you,

Cammie