A water bearer in China had two large pots hung on the ends of a bamboo pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself because this crack in my side causes water to leak all the way back to your house."
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."
Friend, each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.
I meet too many people around the world who feel God is not pleased with them. They feel weak, unloved and unworthy of God’s love and blessings. Yet, nothing is more real than God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. He doesn’t go around with a stick waiting for us to make a mistake; instead He commands angels to carry around buckets of blessings for us.
The Bibles says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him (2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV).” That means He’s scanning for our hearts and when He finds one, He dumps a load of blessing on that person to advance His Kingdom on earth.
One of the things that keeps us from being our best is the nagging, condemning voices that play like a broken record, over and over in our mind. I was just talking to a friend the other day and she said, “Sandy, I’m afraid my life is falling apart. I think I’ve made too many mistakes. I don’t want to end up in a homeless shelter.” I realize these are real fears and I don’t make light of her feelings. But I told her what I’m telling you today. God is not mad at you; He’s greatly in love with you. If you can see it from His perspective, you’ll know how much He loves you! He always has; always will.
We’re familiar with the story of the prodigal's son in the Bible. The youngest son spends all his inheritance in unrighteous living. One day sitting in a pig pen he decides to return to his father’s house. To prepare for his first conversation, he drafts a script in his mind. The son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."But the father said to his servants, "Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate." (Luke 15:21-23 NIV)
The Scripture says, “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." (Luke 15:20 NIV) This is the only picture of God running in the Bible. What is He running to – a saint, a prophet, a religious man? No, no, no. God is running to a broken man who acknowledges his wrongs and decides to change. Instead of getting angry, He told his servants to bring out the royal robe, a ring and sandals. This is the greatness of our God.
No matter what we’ve done, God loves and forgives you. He knows your weakness, but He also knows your value. He sees not the way you are but the way you can be. Be confident, knowing that God sees only the best in you. He has a plan for you higher than you think. You’re His prized treasure. You’re the apple of His eyes. You cannot do anything in life to disown His love. He does not have the capacity to give up on you, so why should you give up on yourself?
Have you ever been to a little league games? There may be dozens of little boys playing in the field but your eyes are fixed on your little son. No matter how bad he does, you jump with excitement if your son barely touches the ball. Only you know what you do if your son scores! Religion teaches us otherwise, but that’s the way our Heavenly Father rejoices over us. He doesn’t keep count of our mistakes and faults. Instead, He highlights our achievements.
Friend, accept God’s unconditional love in to your life. You may have a few cracks in your pot, but you cause the beautiful flowers to bloom. You may have made a few wrong choices, but God’s mercy will give you another royal start. There’s nothing you can do to diminish your value. Stop listening to the negative voices in your mind. Lift up your head and accept His unwavering love for you.
God only sees the best in you!
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