Do you ever wonder how God sees us? In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says “The Lord does not look at things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” He is God and He looks at us as his children. We are told in the Bible that He loves us with an everlasting love. He has demonstrated that with his sacrifice of His only son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins and for us to accept His gift of eternal life. This is how God really sees us, as His precious child and looks right into the heart.

How do we see others? How do they see us? Can we say we look past the appearance and go right to the truly important part of a person- their heart? When we meet someone for the first time we will see the outward person first because it takes time to get to know someone. What are they all about? What are their passions and desires for life? Soon as we experience more time with someone the special qualities start to show and appearance, disability or illness are so less noticeable. They only make that person more interesting.

Those who struggle with disabilities, chronic pain and illness find it hard to make deep connections with others due to the demands of time the issue creates for them. Life changes and priorities need to be reassessed to fit the challenges. Cheer up! This is where God wants us to be joyful even in our circumstances. He will be the one we need to depend on and look to for strength. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. ” Philippians 4:13

My husband, John reminded me of this as we talked about my car that was recently hit by multiple vehicles and left badly damaged. No it wasn’t fair and the person responsible ran off and nothing has been repaired. You know what even after all that damage, the car still runs, the air conditioner, radio, and lights all work just fine. When you are driving along listening to worship music inside you wouldn’t know anything was wrong! I am sure as others see the outside of my car they probably wonder about it but I know inside it doesn’t bother me. I know the maker of all things personally and He will lead me on. He is the one I need to go to when the damage seems more than we can accept. When the pain of loss or illness pushes us to the brink. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

There is a story that goes with this damaged car and there is a story we all have to tell. Maybe my car will have a new outside one of these days. I do know that all of us who trust in the Lord, accept and follow Him, will have a new heavenly body free from pain and suffering one day.

Make sure you look to the inside and the heart of those you meet. Don’t be distracted by outward appearances. Give God your cares and concerns. Let Him take the damage of hurts and pains, and make something wonderful of it all. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28