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"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4: 7 NIV)
The last of the green grapes had been in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. I decided it was time to eat them up or throw them out, something I am loathe to do and I scolded myself for not enjoying them sooner. Taking them out of the bag, I rinsed them in the sink and laid them on some paper toweling to sort through the bunch. The green globes pitted by bad spots, wrinkles, or splits, along with the definitely spongy soft ones were systematically discarded. What was left, that I deemed worthy, became part of my breakfast that morning.
This process of sorting through the fruit and discarding those not worthy reminded me of an important truth concerning God: God discards none of his people. No matter how old and wrinkled we are or fractured and split by life's occurrences, no matter how weak or ravaged by illness, no matter how our mind can become impaired, we are still loved, valued and of use to God for the glory of his kingdom.
In fact, God delights in using the imperfect. The apostle Paul revealed this when he wrote these words of truth to the Church in Corinth:
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, "God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God." (See 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NLT
Today, you might be feeling like those poor old grapes that I discarded: a bit worn and wrinkled, tired or useless, foolish, sick or discouraged, unemployed or poor. If so, choose to take your eyes off of your own circumstances and focus on God's truth. He loves you. He will never discard you. He still has a purpose for you in His kingdom, a purpose which He is able to bring to fruition as you abide in the true vine, Jesus Christ who has promised: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit." (John 15:5a NIV)
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for all of Your people, no matter what their circumstances may be. Help each of us to remember this truth and to always choose to stay close to the true vine, Jesus Christ, that we may always continue to bear much fruit for the kingdom. In Christ's name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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