As I have grown in my spiritual walk, I have come to realize that I am nothing but a beggar. I have no gift, or talent, or ability that would be able to make myself righteous. I did not and do not deserve any of the blessings that are given to me. All of my attempts at righteousness are as filthy rags.
However, recently as I was seeking the Lord's face, he told me that I am not a beggar. The Holy Spirit prompted me with a picture of a beggar girl standing in front of a mansion. The little girl is filthy, hungry, thirsty, and dressed in rags. Emotionally, she is bankrupt. Her behavior isn't pretty. Everyone around looks at the little girl with disdain. However, the owner of the mansion sees this little girl and takes her into his home and adopts her as a daughter. He feeds her, gives her a drink, and clothes her in beautiful garments. He washes her clean. He treats her as a daughter. She is able to go talk to him whenever she desires. She can take all of her cares and anxieties to her Father. He provides for her as he sees what is best. He loves her unconditionally.
This mental picture brings me great peace. It also humbles me even more. The God of the Universe has adopted me. He has loved me unconditionally. I have done nothing to deserve any of this. I still deserve to be on the street, hungry, dirty, thirsty, and spiritually dead. But he has chosen to give me his life and to have the Holy Spirit dwell within me. The good news is that I'm not the only one who he has adopted or that he longs to adopt. Jesus came to proclaim good news to the poor. He came to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of the sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 4: 18 - 19. He has given me a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. He came to build up ancient ruins, raise up former devastations, repair the ruined cities, and the devestations of the generations. Isaiah 61:3
All that he requires from us is that we are willing to trust that he loves us and longs to adopt us. We need to trust that he knows what is best for us and that as we surrender to his plan for our lives, we will see the work of his mighty hand.
