See what I have to say.
Let me know what you want to say about it.
Once in a while, it still happens. An Event Planner reviews my resume or speaker’s sheet and then asks what qualifies me to speak with authority on the Grace of God. Since my formal level of education clearly didn’t offer the sought-after alphabet soup next to my name, I have seen their disappointment. Then … if I’m not careful … I let their words begin to strangle my heart.
Why would anyone ever want to listen to me? What do I have to offer?
In a word: Hope. Remember how the smallest gift moved the heart of Jesus.
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:3-4 NIV
If God can pull a messed-up life like mine from the gates of Hell, then surely he can work in the lives of others.
Jesus’ story is quite simple. He came to heal the sick and offer grace to those who need it. And I am among the neediest.
God wants us all to reach out from our poverty. He offers grace … unmerited favor … to those who seek it. Unmerited, meaning undeserved. That’s the point. It’s not what we have to offer to Him. It’s never been about that. We can never ever earn the right for that favor.
But his hand can lead us, through our humility, and sing the praises of God. He wants us to share His wealth, not our own.
When I speak at retreats or conferences, I share with women from my brokenness. I share that without God’s touch of grace I’d be nothing. Yet He loved me … and He loves them in their brokenness, too. I give out of my poverty. And in their poverty, they will find wealth.
So when it still happens, I remember it’s not so much the messenger but the message. Before Christ, my life was bankrupt of security and peace. Now Jesus has given me more peace than I could ever imagine. And if He can use my poverty to offer wealth to others, then I’m good with that.
What is your resume built on?
Do you feel like you don’t matter? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
Thoughts come spilling out, typos and all.
The Conversation
Yes. I love this. This message resonates with me. Thank you.
Thank you, Donna. Some words hit us right when we need them. Hugs!