Matthew? Who would waste his time with him? The shyster tax collector was a traitor to his own people. What about James and John? The sons of thunder were a rambunctious lot. What about the fisherman Peter with a blistering temper? What about Jonah, the fugitive and complainer? What about King David, the adulterer and murderer? Who would choose any one of these as a spiritual leader?

Christ, that’s who! And He chose them all.

So why would he do that? God looks at us differently than we see each other or ourselves. He knows what is going on inside of each one of us better than we know ourselves. Just like in Bible times, God knows the heart.

God has a design for each one of our lives: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV). Even in their deficiencies, God saw something special in each of these Bible characters. He sees something special in you too. Will you allow Him to use you?

Compiled from the writings of E. G. White