Have you ever felt unworthy of someone’s love or attention? Our sense of self-worth can be dictated by our own past sin or by how we perceive that others see us. This was the case with Saul, the Pharisee who relentlessly murdered Christians in the name of upholding the Jewish law. Upon encountering the risen Christ, his life is radically changed. As God speaks a new identity into his life, Saul becomes Paul, the famed teacher of the gospel. His infamous reputation makes Christians doubt his worthiness, and Paul calls himself “the least worthy” among the apostles. God not only accepts the unworthy; He celebrates them. There is a new destiny for each one who feels unworthy if they choose to find their worth in Him. With that choice, pride diminishes, and gratitude takes over. So, if you are feeling unworthy today, don’t despair. God values the unworthy.

Have you ever feared a serious diagnosis? Sickness can come with physical as well as social implications, and that was the case with leprosy in the ancient world—it was not only a death sentence, leprosy also led to exclusion and isolation. Naaman was a very highly respected commander of the Syrian army who had earned the applause of the world with his success, but he was also a repulsive leper. Unlike the world, God seeks out those who are sick to show them that He is real, and He sees their suffering. Those suffering from infirmity and isolation are always on God’s A-list because, like Naaman, they have an opportunity to turn to the Great Physician in trust and have their lives completely changed. God invites the sick to His table to dine—and then He heals them. God values the sick. Do you?

Have you ever felt desperate? Whether you need help in finances, provision, health, or any other area of life, desperation can lead you to do unusual and sometimes unflattering things. In first-century Palestine, certian medical issues resulted in some of the most vulnerable because they were left without legal rights or a way to provide for themselves. The woman with the issue of blood was so desperate that she relentlessly pushed through the crowd to get a touch from Jesus. Having nothing left to loose, She refused to take “no” for an answer and ultimately prevails. Jesus uses her story to encourage believers to be persistent and unwavering in their faith. Her desperate faith moved the heart of God. The Father values the desperate - Do you?