I met a man today whose outside said I am a man of physical strength who works hard. And inside he felt broken-down by things in his past.
I met a man today whom others had used and trampled on. And inside he felt anger and a need to forgive.
I met a man today who wanted to understand why God loved him. And inside he felt completely worthless.
Thoughts seemed to rumble in his head needing closure and solidity, but continued to circle round and round until it appeared there would be no end.
And then he handed them to Jesus. He bound them up and laid them at the foot of the cross.
He said, “Jesus, I don’t know how to deal with these, but you do. Now, what do you give me in exchange?”
And after moments of silent tears that not even his calloused hands could hold back, he said, “Jesus says, ‘He gives me the ability to move forward.’”
Then, and only then, he smiled a slow knowing smile as his mind ran through the things he was now free to do and be and become.
I met a man today whose outside said I am a man of physical strength who works hard. And Father God said, “You are someone I can count on.”
I met a man today whom others had used and trampled on. And God said, “You have been purified in the fire of trials and difficulties.”
I met a man today who wanted to understand why God loved him. And God said, “Because you are intense after My heart.”
I met a man today who looks like just an ordinary work-a-day guy. And inside I knew I had met a man of solid gold.
Charles Swindoll says, “God is not looking for magnificent specimens of humanity. He’s looking for deeply spiritual, genuinely humble, honest-to-the-core servants who have integrity.” I met a man like that today.
“The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart … The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 13:14, 16:7, NLT.
Teresa Shields Parker is a wife, mother, business owner, life group leader, speaker and author of Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor and Sweet Grace Study Guide: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Overcome Sugar Addiction. Get a free chapter of her memoir on her blog at Teresa Shields Parker.com. Connect with her there or on her Facebook page.
Teresa Shields Parker is a Christian weight loss author, coach, podcaster, and speaker, who has lost 250 pounds and kept it off since 2013. Her books include: “Reconnecting Jayne: Her Sister’s Support,” “Rebuilding Jayne: Her Father’s Protection,” “Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor,” “Sweet Grace Study Guide,” “Sweet Victory: Winning the Battle,” “Sweet Surrender: Breaking Strongholds,” “Sweet Journey to Transformation: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Live Healthy”, “Sweet Freedom: Losing Weight and Keeping It Off With God’s Help,” “Sweet Freedom Study Guide,” “Sweet Change: True Stories of Transformation,” “Sweet Hunger: Developing an Appetite for God,” and “Sweet Excuses: Stop Lying to Yourself & Start Losing Weight.” She also offers Overcomers Christian Weight Loss Academy and VIP intensive coaching. Don’t miss her weekly podcast, Sweet Grace for Your Journey, where she shares tips from her personal journey of losing weight and discovering healthy living. Contact her at [email protected].