Leftovers

Year 4-Day 75: Today, I am grateful for leftovers.

Yesterday was a long, long day, after a packed weekend with a lost hour. Last night, was a leftover night.  

We call it "eating from the fridge" or "grab and growl". The latter is more appropriate when there is something good in limited quantity. Last night was not that night.  It was simply finding something that would substitute for a dinner meal. No food prep...and no clean up. I love leftovers.

I am grateful God uses "leftovers", too. I found this quote yesterday and knew it would be a perfect gratitude compliment.  

"Next time you feel unqualified to be used by God remember this, he tends to recruit from the pit, not the pedestal." - Jon Acuff

What an encouraging thought. Scripture backs it up. Think about it.

God chose...
Old men like Noah.
Orphans who had trouble speaking like Moses.
Those with jail records like Joseph...falsely imprisoned but still did jail time.
Boys...like David.
"Bad girls" like Rahab.
Widows like Ruth.
Whiners like Jonah.
Quirky people...like John the Baptist.
Ordinary girls of no affluence...like Mary, the mother of Christ.
Those who were once demon possessed like Mary Magdalene.
Ones who had it all wrong...like Saul who would be Paul.

Jesus' disciples were such a mix. Yes, the fisherman with their tenacity and work ethic, but what about Matthew, the despised tax collector who was probably close to friendless?  Some had trust issues like Thomas. Some were "bulldozers" like James and John who Jesus fondly referred to as "The Sons of Thunder" and Peter...known for his exuberance and passion. 

Our God has a long tradition of turning crumbs into cupcakes! It seems to be His sweet spot. Perhaps, those in the pits have nothing to lose and finally open their hearts to His Word and his possibilities. 

Paul's letter to Timothy sums up Christ's grace, patience and transforming power.

" and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."  - 1 Timothy 1:14-16

When we are at the end of our rope...hang on.  No pit is too deep for his hand to reach! 

God loves leftovers, too. He transforms them. 

Today, I am grateful for leftovers.