Heartprints

Overlooked…”But Worthy”

Once upon a time there lived a blended family with a father and his daughter, along with a mother and her two daughters.  This family lived happily together under one roof until…the father died.  

Once upon a time there lived a blended family with a father and his daughter, along with a mother and her two daughters.  This family lived happily together under one roof until…the father died.  

After the father died his only daughter from his first wife was left to live with her stepmother and two stepsisters.  This was a sad time for the young girl, because her stepmother and two stepsisters were very mean and treated her with no respect.  She was not included in any of the family activities; she was not permitted to wear any new clothes; and she was expected to do ALL of the household chores.  Her job was to make them look good and take care of all of their needs.  She was always overlooked, mistreated and viewed only as a servant…she was never considered worthy of respect until….. 

You remember the story of Cinderella.  She was the abused stepsister considered unworthy by her stepmother and stepsisters, but the story does not end there.  You see, one day all of the young girls in the kingdom were invited to a special ball given by the King and Queen for their son, the Prince.  This royal ball was opened to all of the fair maidens of the kingdom in hopes that the Prince would find his bride.  

Cinderella wanted to go to the ball, but her stepmother and stepsisters would not let her go.  She was not considered by them to be “worthy enough to attend.” Instead, she was forced to help them get ready, fix their hair, and attend to all of their needs, so that they would look good to attend the ball and maybe be chosen by the Prince.

As the story goes, Cinderella went undercover to the ball where she met and danced with the Prince and they fell in love.  It was that night that her life changed forever.  As the story concludes, the prince finds Cinderella, places the glass slipper on her foot, and takes her for his wife…and they lived happily ever after.  Even though her stepmother and stepsisters did not consider her worthy, the Prince found her worthy…enough so that he married her and took her for his wife.  Cinderella went from rags to riches, humble to great, and became the chosen one among all the maidens in the kingdom.

God chose to use many different people in the Bible who were overlooked, mistreated, and considered unworthy.      

Do you remember the story of Joseph?  Joseph was the youngest boy who was overlooked, abused, and mistreated by his jealous brothers.  They threw him into a pit, sold him into slavery, and continued to show no compassion or love towards him.  Even in those terrible circumstances, Joseph continued to stay faithful to God and trusted in Him with his life.  

Because of Joseph’s faithfulness and love of God, God chose to appoint him to a place of high esteem as He promoted him to live a life of wealth and prominence.  Joseph came from humble beginnings, was mistreated and wrongly accused, but God’s hand was upon him and God chose to promote him to a greater level of respect and honor than Joseph could ever imagine…Joseph became great in God’s kingdom.  (Genesis 37:1- 50:26)

Or perhaps David…

David was a shepherd boy who was overlooked and forgotten by his father and older brothers.  Therefore, when Samuel was looking for the next King over Israel, it never crossed Jesse’s mind to consider David as a candidate.  All of the worthy sons of Jesse had been presented to Samuel, except David.  He was the youngest, smallest, and least likely to become King in the eyes of Jesse and even Samuel, yet God told Samuel…send for the youngest…

David had no rank, no wealth, and no reason to be considered for the position of king.  But God had a plan for David and instead of looking at his size, his age, or his role as a shepherd boy, God looked at David’s heart.  Because David had a heart for God, he was appointed the second and greatest king of Israel.  God raised him up from low esteem and sat him upon the throne. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Does God have a plan for you? Has he entrusted you to do His will and serve children?  If so, He has appointed you with a great responsibility.  You are valued and worthy of God’s call on your life.  He will not overlook you, but instead He will empower and equip you to make a difference in the lives of children.  

As the summer progresses, programs slow down and VBS is finished for another year, reflect on God’s goodness and His grace.  Spend time in prayer conversing with God.  Ask Him how He desires to use you to make a difference in the lives of children for His kingdom purposes.  What changes need to be made in your children’s ministry so that you will bring Him glory….“But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)  

He is a good God and views you as worthy for His call…and He will always call you to something greater than what you can accomplish in your own strength and wisdom.  You are not overlooked and definitely you are worthy, because the Lord has “created you for His good works, that you might walk in them!”  (Ephesians 2:10)

Lisa Goodyear holds a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education, with a focus in Children's Ministry, from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has over twenty-eight years of local children's ministry, as well as an extensive background in early childhood education and international ministry to children. Currently, she is serving with the family/children’s ministry in her local church in Shawnee, Kansas. Lisa's passion is to see children from every nation, tongue, and tribe trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and grow in their relationship with Him. She is married to Rolla and they have two grown children and three grandchildren and a little Yorkie, Romeo. Lisa lives in Olathe, Kansas.

2 Comments

  • Sharon Lallman

    Your blog encouraged me today.

    Lisa, Rolla included the link to your blog and I have read and re-read the words of wisdom written.  

    I think of the loved ones we share in our lives and this part especialy touched me;

    "Has he entrusted you to do His will and serve children?  If so, He has appointed you with a great responsibility.  You are valued and worthy of God’s call on your life.  He will not overlook you, but instead He will empower and equip you to make a difference in the lives of children."

    May the Lord empower and equip me during the times I share with the little ones.  They are especially blessed with a wonderful Mommy and Daddy and I pray the Lord bless them also.

    Sharon 

    • Lisa Goodyear

      Stay Encouraged!

      I am so glad God used this blog to encourage you Sharon. Children are precious and worthy in His sight. We must take every opportunity to share His love with them and teach them about Jesus Christ who will bring them peace, joy, and everlasting life. Stay encouraged and trust God to give you wisdom when you are with the children. May God bless you and use you to touch the lives of children.