It is amazing to have a husband and wife combination on the same day. Sharing a testimony and giving us the Word – Rodney & Ada have been such a blessing to this church family and continue to do so.
As Rodney & Ada shared their lives with amazing transparency – we could see the challenges that they have faced in the past and continue to face today. Challenges that we all face (work, upbringing) and challenges that are extraordinary (Alzheimers). As they shared the very real struggles and doubts, one challenge really stood out to me.
If we are going through problems and can’t seem to get a grasp on our own lives, how can we respond to the world? If I don’t have all the fruit of the Spirit in line – how can I give God to the world?! In essence, what do we have to offer?
Then… Rodney read from the word:
Psalm 51:17
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise
Sometimes we think that what we have is simply not enough. We think that once we get our act together, then, and only then, can we be used by God. But from Psalm 51, it does not ask us to bring things that this world values, it asks only for a broken and contrite heart.
Do not put value in what we bring – put your hope and faith in the One we bring it to. Take what little we have and put it in the hands of God. Then by His Spirit he brings life to dry bones.
All throughout Scripture we see God taking things of little worth and making a Kingdom difference. David brought a pebble to defeat a giant, a child brought 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed thousands, a widow brought 2 copper coins and it was counted to be more than any other.
God asks us to bring a broken and contrite heart (a heart dependent and in need of God). Wherever you are in your walk with God – bring your heart to Him. He values you more than any “thing” you can bring. Put your faith in the One who will use the little we bring.
Amen.