THE WILL TO LOVE - Vital Christianity

56As far as we know the apostle Paul was neither handsome, robust or eloquent. Accordingto church history he was very short, bow legged, long nosed. Yet he didn’t go around whiningand pining because of this, He accepted himself as God made him and accomplished great tasksfor God. There have been scores of people who have not been handsome, eloquent nor brilliantwho have experienced fulfilled lives and who have had fruitful ministries in our Savior’s service.What make this possible? The joy and enthusiasm that is found in Christ! These peoplefixed their eyes upon Jesus rather than on themselves, and they drew their wisdom, strength andpower from His inexhaustible resources instead of from their own weaknesses.Not only are we unique in God’s eyes, but we are also personally known and cared for.David testifies,“O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know me when Isit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern mygoing out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Beforea word is on your tongue You know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in,behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me” (Ps 139:1-5).David continues by talking about the fact that God is with us wherever we find ourselves,“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, You are there; If I make my bed in the depths,You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle on the far sideof the sea, even there you hand will guide me, Your right hand will holdme fast.If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night aroundme, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like theday for darkness is as light to you” (vv. 7-12).Jesus assures us of His knowledge of us and His presence and care with the followingwords: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apartfrom the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t beafraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Mt 10:29-31).If God knows about and cares for each sparrow, how much more so for us!The little girl was correct when she said, “God made me and God don’t make junk!”