Heaven’s Draft Picks
Well now, puddin’, shuffle yourself on up to this peace‑filled porch and take a load off, ’cause I’ve got a nugget of truth with your name all over it: you are not alone, not today, not tomorrow, not even on days when you feel about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. God walks right before you, behind you, and right beside you, too, even when you can’t feel Him, He’s there.
After Jesus rose from the dead, the very first person He appeared to wasn’t a king, a priest, or somebody with a fancy title. Nope. It was Mary Magdalene, a woman who once had seven demons ‘a-clingin’ to her like burrs on a hound dog. And bless her heart, when she ran to tell the disciples, they didn’t even believe one word she said (Mark 16:9-13). Typical.
But that’s just like Jesus, isn’t it? He’s always ‘a-pickin’ the folks nobody else would choose. Jacob the trickster (Genesis 25 and 27). Moses the stutterin’ fugitive (Exodus 4:10). Rahab the prostitute (Joshua 2:1). Gideon the scaredy‑cat (Judges 6:11-24). David the overlooked kid brother (1 Samuel 16:11). Esther the orphan girl who won a beauty pageant (Esther 2:1-18). If God had a draft pick, He’d choose the ones everybody else left ‘a-sittin’ on the bench.
Why? Because while people judge by appearances, God looks straight at the heart, right past the mess, past the mistakes, past the “Lord, are You sure about this?” moments. And when He finds a heart turned toward Him, He’ll use that person in ways that make Heaven really smile and hell real nervous.
Mary Magdalene wasn’t just faithful; why she was fierce. She stayed at the cross when the men ran. She showed up at the tomb before sunrise, probably steppin’ over sleepy chickens and half‑awake goats on her way. And because she sought Jesus with her whole heart, she became the first one to holler the biggest news this world’s ever been blessed to hear..
And precious friend, that same Jesus walks with you today. You may feel unlikely, unqualified, or unnoticed, but Heaven sees you. God uses the diligent, the faithful, the ones who keep ‘a-showin’ up even when life feels heavier than a wet hay bale.
Father, thank You for walkin’ with me, leadin’ me, and usin’ me even when I feel small or unsure. Give me wisdom, clarity, and courage to follow where You guide. Strengthen my heart to serve You with joy and diligence. I pray this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
Now go on out there, you little ‘ole bright spark, and remember: if God can use a donkey (Numbers 22:21-39), a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:34-36), and a woman with seven demons (Luke 8:2), He can sure enough use you. Do it now! You step out and walk real tall. God’s a’-walkin’ right there beside you every step of the way.
With joy,
Gwen
