Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Proverbs 7:2
“Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”
Last month, with a long trip ahead of us, we emptied our refrigerator of fruit and vegetables, either by eating everything or freezing what would keep for future use. Upon our return from said trip, we opened the fridge to see the sad state: empty shelves and drawers. Off to the local farmer’s market I went to restock.
The very first item I saw when entering the rustic, open air building was the abundance of autumn apples. As we are in the peak season in our area, the apple varieties are numerous, almost overwhelming to make choices. But, in no time I had selected my favorites for eating and will go back next week for a few additional varieties.
When it comes to picking out your favorite apples, do you take the time to examine them thoroughly, looking for perfection? Farmer’s market apples that are fresh off local trees, are rarely flawless, but they don’t need to be! Some may have specks, others may have small bruises, but their usefulness must not go unnoticed. They can be used for the purposes for which God designed them: for eating right down to the core, cooking, baking, for making applesauce, or cider. Whether they give sweet or tart delight, they fulfill the purpose for which God created them— to nourish our bodies.
From the beginning of time, God has also used flawed men and women to be used for His unique purposes:
- Abraham: fearing for his life, he pretended his wife was his sister, and asked his wife to lie about it. God used him to become the father of many nations.
- Moses: felt his stutter would not make him suitable for leading his people and, even more disqualifying was that at one point he fled Egypt and killed an Egyptian. Despite this, God used him to rescue an entire nation.
- Rahab: despite having a sinful past as a harlot, she harbored Israelite spies in the city of Jericho, and even confessed her faith by saying, “I know that the LORD has given you this land” Her name is remembered as one in the lineage of the Messiah.
- David: even though he was known as a “man after God’s own heart,” it didn’t keep him from committing serious sins—even plotting a man’s death. He repented before God which demonstrated God’s great mercy toward David after immense failure.
- Peter: gripped by fear, denied any connection to Jesus. Despite his denial, Peter was later restored and was used by God by as a bold leader to the early Christians.
- Paul : once known as Saul, he was a Jew-hater and even stood by while Stephen was stoned to death. After a life-altering encounter, he became a great missionary and writer of numerous letters we find in the Bible. His dramatic turnaround proves that no heart is out of God’s reach, for forgiveness, salvation, and His purposes.
How thankful I am that God saw worth in me, as a very flawed servant, and has used me in ways I could never have imagined. Remember, we are called the “apple of His eye!” May we all remain humble and useful for His purposes in the Kingdom.
With eyes on Him,
~ Marsha
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