You Might Be a Human Geode
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” ~1 Peter 5:6
Have you ever been overlooked? Felt inadequate? You’re in good company! Many of the people God used mightily in the Bible were not the “first draft” pick from a worldly perspective. But, these men and women all had one thing in common—a heart that God knew He could use for His kingdom purposes. Maybe you’re reading this wondering what gifts and abilities you can offer the Lord. Your heart may be ignited to fulfill all the plans and purposes He has for you, yet you feel inadequate and unworthy. The great news is that God cares more about what’s going on internally than externally, and He is fully able to use you for His glory!
Be encouraged that some of the most unique, precious things in this world are overlooked by the human eye.
One example of this is a rock called a geode. If you’ve never seen a picture of this particular rock, I encourage you to research it, and be amazed. From the outside, a geode looks quite ordinary. A casual observer could easily walk past it and think it was anything but special. But, the inside of a geode is very different. When opened, it contains sparkly and beautiful crystals, ranging from white to amethyst. Studying the crystals on the inside is mesmerizing! When I think of a geode, it reminds me of the way that God sees us. From the world’s point of view, we may appear ordinary, and people may cast us aside as they focus on the external portion of the “rock”. However, our Heavenly Father sees us to the core and knows what sparkly treasure lies hidden on the inside (a heart toward Him). He looks past the superficial and pays attention to the internal. Another takeaway from the geode is the beauty of brokenness. It is symbolic that a geode must be broken in two to reveal the hidden treasure. In God’s eyes, people who have been humbled and broken before Him are, many times, surrendered, radiant, and genuine.
One such “geode” is the biblical figure, David. Out of all of his brothers chosen to come before Samuel as the prospective future king of Israel, David was an afterthought. This dedicated young man had a heart after God, worshiped Him, and faithfully tended sheep out in the fields. Maybe you feel like you’re in the middle of a “sheep field” wondering whether you will be noticed for a promotion or a position. Take comfort knowing that God had David’s GPS location. Yes, out in the isolated sheep fields, the Lord zoned in on David’s heart and was pleased. Although this young man’s older brother looked more kingly, the Lord revealed to Samuel that David was to be the anointed king, instead. 1 Samuel 16:7: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” Just like David, God sees your internal treasure, knows where you are, and He is watching…
So, what can we learn from David?
- It’s about the heart of the matter. When we seek Christ and put our relationship with Him above all else, He takes notice. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Our relationship with God should be our first priority.
- Be faithful in the little things, and you will be faithful in much (Luke 16:10). Tending stubborn, smelly sheep was anything but glamorous. Yet, David was obedient to the calling in the season he was in and loved worshiping God in the isolated fields. That season was valuable training ground for his future. As we are faithful to what God has called us to in each season of our lives, we are being prepared for our purpose. David was faithful in the little things and that led to bigger things. We can personally apply this principle, as well.
- Know who you are in Christ, and WHO fights for you. David had the strength to fight against Goliath, because he knew that God was with him. At first, critics told him not to fight. 1 Samuel 17:33 “Saul replied, ‘You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.’” Even David’s own brother told him that he had a wicked heart and was conceited. Despite the negativity, this young man’s heart was right before the Lord, and he had pure intentions. He replied to the king, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37. Even when we feel misunderstood, God knows our true motives, and by His strength, He can help us overcome obstacles, just like David. The future king of Israel knew where his strength came from, and God gave him the victory. We must remember that in our weakness, HE is strong, and that He fights for us too.
As we reflect on the importance of our heart relationship with the Lord, know that He has a plan for you, friend! Our miraculous God can turn a shepherd boy into a king! Remember that our confidence should come from Him, knowing that He cares more about the internal, and He is shaping each of us for our callings. Let’s not discount the giftings He has given us. Our Heavenly Father can do more in our lives than we can ask, think, or imagine. Remember that God’s perspective is what matters most. He has your personal GPS. What is He speaking to you?
“God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him” ~1 Corinthians 1:27-29
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.'” ~Jeremiah 29:11-13