Does What I see is often not what God observes.
Recently I was
messaged on Facebook by a student I taught 22 years ago . . . A student
who seemed to have no liking for me but who now was informing me I had
been her favorite teacher. Her contact started me wondering about other
students I had taught who were now adults and old enough to have
families of their own. So I began searching Facebook for the names I
could remember. I discovered a number of former students. When I clicked
on their profiles, I was amazed. The ones that appeared unmotivated and
rebellious when I taught them had turned out alright after all. They
were married and had children. Some owned their own businesses. Others
had followed and achieved their dreams. My search's findings reminded me
that I don't often see the full picture, nor do I normally see as God
does.
How some viewed King Saul wasn't the way David looked at
him. While running for his life from a maddened king, David had at least
two opportunities to kill Saul. Both times he refused. Even though Saul
was his sworn enemy, David knew that momentarily he was the Lord's
anointed king of the nation. One student, in particular, who I branded a
failure, now owns his own business. Another, who had little initiative,
is living his dream.
Where I see failure, God sees potential.
Where I see lack of concern or initiative, God sees promise. After all,
people are created in God's image. That in itself makes them worthy of
my love and gives them the power to be anything God wants them to be.
When I see addictions, God sees a wonderful testimony of his power to
deliver-a testimony they can share with others who need hope.
David's men saw an enemy; David saw the Lord's anointed. What do you see
when you look at others?
Prayer: God of mercy and grace, enable
us to see others as You see them.