Consider…
There’s a lot of stuff in a typical thrift store. Each item was originally bought to fulfill a purpose, even as a gift. At some point, whoever was in possession of the item determined that they no longer wanted it, for any number of reasons. At the thrift store, everything has been given another chance, at least potentially, to meet a need, bring a smile, or satisfy a want. That which was rejected may be the very thing someone else really needs. Many of us may identify with the contents of a thrift store. We may think that we have been rejected or disqualified, perhaps by God Himself, either because of choices we made or circumstances beyond our control. We may feel as if we’ve been resigned to a shelf in a thrift store. This is not true. One of the greatest phrases in the Bible, found in more than a few passages, is this: But God…
Pray…
My Lord, Your word reminds me that you are a patient and merciful Father (Psalm 103:8), bringing beauty from ashes (Isa. 61:3), even life from death (Eph. 2:5). Fill me with Your joy and peace, that I may overflow with the hope and power of Your Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). I am Your masterpiece, crafted to do the work You prepared for me (Eph. 2:10). And let me never forget that You will finish the work You started in me (Phil 1:6).
In Your Son’s name, Amen.
In case you were wondering…
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:10-12