Sunday, August 17, 2014

By: Claire Hitt Ourso

 

Different on Purpose

 

2 Corinthians 4:7 "We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us."

   

As a mother of two young daughters, I have been given the blessing of playing with Barbies and other baby dolls on a regular basis with my little girls. I am constantly changing clothes and shoes to help the girls dress their dolls to perfection.

 

While playing with her Barbie dolls one morning, my oldest daughter asked me, "Why do all of my Barbies fit the same shoes and clothes?" I explained to her that all Barbie dolls may not look exactly alike, but that the dolls are always the same size. They are made from the same mold or pattern.

 

This caused me to reflect on the Christian body of believers. Although we do not all look, speak, and act alike, we are all created in the shape of a clay vessel possessing the potential to be filled with God's presence - which is, in fact, the treasure mentioned in today's scriptures.

 

Just as my daughter's Barbie dolls "look" different, God has made each of us to "look" different in order to reach a variety of people. Sometimes though, we allow these "differences" to make us feel inadequate or ill-quipped for the task.

 

When choosing the disciples, Jesus selected twelve very diverse men from various backgrounds. Their occupations consisted of fishermen, tax collectors, doctors, and more. However, He chose them ALL to fulfill His work. 

 Rich or poor  ...  young or "seasoned"... suit and tie or flip-flops, God has placed people in your life that only YOU can make a difference in. Don't allow your perceived shortcomings to keep you from the opportunity of sharing His Good News.  2 Corinthians 12:9 provides the following encouragement: "My grace is enough for you.  When you are weak, My power is made perfect in you."  

 

I challenge you today to really evaluate your surroundings, giftings, and people that God has put in your life. Always know that He has placed us in specific families, jobs, social circles, neighborhoods, etc. to share our treasure with those you encounter along OUR journey of life.

 

Dear Lord, My desire is to be a vessel fit for Your use. I thank You that You equipped me and created me for a specific purpose. Help me be used by you!

 

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

 

Directions:  Are there individuals in your life that you are equipped to reach ... those who would respond to your uniqueness, your past experiences?