Valerie Rae Hanneman
“God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.” II Samuel 16:7
When Samuel heard the Voice, he knew Who it was. “Yes, LORD?” “Saul is a loose cannon – I can’t keep him as king of Israel. I am going to choose a new king, a man who is focused on me, a man after my own heart. Go to Jesse’s place down in Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be the next king. I’ll tell you which one.” So Samuel heads down to Bethlehem. I am sure that when Samuel told Jesse what was going on, Jesse was all humble on the outside, but inside he was puffing up pretty big. ‘My son, the king! And why not! Look at my boys, tall and strong every one of them! They are smart, well liked and good-looking too, if those giggling girls down at the well are to be believed!” So Jesse brings forward his eldest son – his pride and joy – the best of the lot. “No” was Samuel’s response. Jesse is a little surprised. He brings forward his second son. “No.” “No? Are you sure?” Jesse couldn’t help but ask. “No” Samuel repeats for the second son – the third son – the fourth son- the fifth – the sixth and finally, the seventh son. Jesse looks at Samuel in confusion. “Jesse,” Samuel says gently, “Don’t you have eight sons?” “Well, yes,” Jesse sputters, “There is David – but he is the baby – he is just a boy! We have him out watching the sheep!” “Go and get him.” Samuel answered. And David, the runt, the youngest, the loser is God’s choice to be the greatest king of Israel.(Until Jesus takes the throne)
Moses lived in the royal palace of Egypt. As Pharaoh’s daughter’s adopted son, he had everything he wished for. But he lost it all in a moment of murderous anger. He ran for his life from the luxuries of Egypt to the harshness of the Middian desert. After 40 years of watching his father-in-law’s sheep he sees a burning bush and turns aside to get a closer look. Moses, the murderer, the loser, is God’s choice to free a nation.
Jonah heard God’s call – “Go to Nineveh and preach my Word to them.” Nineveh! Nineveh might be the most powerful city on the earth but it is also the most wicked. Their motto was “Kill’em all and let the god’s sort them out” Jonah ran in the opposite direction. He got on a ship and tried to get as far from Nineveh as he could. From deep within a fish’s belly, Jonah got his head on straight with the LORD. The fish vomited him up on dry land and Jonah went to Nineveh. Jonah, the disobedient, direction-challenged loser, is God’s choice to bring the greatest city in the world to repentance.
Peter is an out-there type a guy. The most impetuous of the disciples, it seems as if Jesus is always getting after Peter for something. And then, Peter betrayed Jesus, not once but three times. Then came the Day of Pentecost and Peter, the out-of-control betrayer of Jesus and loser, is God’s choice to preach the very first sermon of the new church.
Saul is a Pharisee of Pharisees. Although still young, he is an up-and-comer at the Temple. The stoning of Stephen inspires him to persecute as many Christians as he can get his hands on. When he can’t kill enough of them in Jerusalem, he gets letters from the High Priest so he can kill them in Damascus too! Saul, this persecutor of Jesus and loser is God’s choice to bring the message of Jesus to the Gentiles.
Valerie is a recovering drug addict, a survivor of childhood abuse and spousal abuse with two failed marriages. The theme song of her life is “If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all!” She started attending church again and she loves going but she’s not really involved. On this day an associate pastor is talking about a new ministry outreach to the neighborhood children. When she hears God say, “This is for you,” she looks around to see whose call she accidentally intercepted. She doesn’t even like kids so there is no way that God is calling her to this ministry. This loser on multiple levels is God’s choice to be His hands and feet to the neighborhood.
What is it about the losers that God just loves? We all know that, by the world’s standards, there was a better son than David. There was a better leader than tongue-tied Moses. There was a prophet who was more obedient than Jonah. There was a disciple with better control than Peter. There was a Christian leader already serving Jesus, there was no need for Saul. There was a person who already loved children and was perfect for Care Fresno. But God chose the losers instead of the world’s “winners.”
It is because God wants us to remember where the power comes from. David was a leader of sheep, only God could make him the leader of a nation. Moses was a murderer, only God could make him a rescuer. Jonah ran away, only God could make him stand strong. Peter was out of control, only God could make him a pillar in the new church. Saul was stiff-necked and proud, only God could give him a heart for the lost. Valerie said, “no, not me” only God could make it her joy to say, “send me”
God says, “My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 Message) If God were to use the world’s “winners” then the world and the “winners” would think that they were responsible for the success. But when God uses a loser like me, it is a different story. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that any successes in Care Fresno can be laid directly at the feet of Jesus. They have come in spite of me - not because of me. And if you were to ask David, Moses, Jonah, Peter, Paul or any other of God’s loser’s - they will tell you the same thing.
Do you feel like the world thinks you are a loser? Remember, the world looks on the outside, God looks on the inside. He knows your heart, you are His winner and He has something special planned for you!
LORD Jesus, the world calls me a loser - but they only see my outside. You see my heart. Use my weaknesses to glorify Your strength.
Contact Valerie or sign up for the e-Ministry of Fresno First Baptist at valerie@fresnofirst.
Posted by Valerie at November 3, 2006 07:41 PM