Just As I Am

Messed up! No good... Piece of trash... Damaged goods...All of these sentiments are sometimes how we feel at some point in our lives. We either have people tell us, or we allow the enemy to whisper such things in our ear. Sometimes its because of a disability or other circumstance that we are forced to live with, and other times, its just because we feel that we can never do anything right, no matter how hard we try. Let me say, that I am glad to be part of a faith family that does not believe those lies for one second, and that values every person, because our heavenly father values them. God has not placed your worth on a lower tier simply because of an infirmity or age. He doesn't "discount" you because you feel worn out, or damaged. In fact, the bible teaches us that we have a very high value on our lives from the time we are in the womb, until we pass away, and even after that, we must be considered VIP's, I mean after all, He is building us a mansion and giving us a home that will last forever! Sometimes we lose sight of our value, and allow what we see in the short term, to cloud what God wants to do through us. I was reading one such story this morning, about a lady who was sick most of her life and disability had hardened her heart. The ladies name was Charlotte Elliott, and she would take tangents, just lashing out at God..."If God loved me, He would not have treated me this way", she often exclaimed. She was very angry, and described as very hateful towards those who claimed Christ as Savior, until one day a Swiss minister visited her, and when she finished raging and carrying on, he looked at her with compassion and asked, "You are tired of yourself, aren't you? You are holding to your hate and anger, because you have nothing else in this world to cling to." Charlotte looked into his humble face and responded "What is your cure?" To which the old Swiss minister replied "The faith you are trying to despise". They continued to talk and finally Charlotte broke and asked "If I wanted to become a Christian and share the peace and joy that you posses, how would I do that?" The answer that she received would not only be her point of understanding and set her free in how she looked at Jesus, but would also become one of the most beloved hymns of all time. The minister looked up at her and simply said "You would give yourself to God, just as you are. With all of your fightings, and fears, hates and loves, pride and shame." Eventually, Charlotte would surrender to Christ, and would pen these words, that still ring true for all of us no matter our age, circumstance, background or creed..."Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood, was shed for me. And that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God I come, I come."....What is it that keeps you from giving your all to Jesus, and serving him with everything you have? He loves you and wants you, just as you are! Research from "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J Morgan