I have owned an antiques store since 1999. When I am on the hunt for antiques, I am not a purist. I don't have rigid rules about what I am looking for; for example, it does not have to be only oak, or a minimum of 100 years old, or only American made sterling... etc. I don't have preconceived ideas about what I'm looking for, rather there is an openness to everything I see... everything has the potential to be "a great find".
It is really puzzling to some people who observe me when I am shopping at a yard sale. At one sale that I went to I noticed a great auto parts sign. I walked right up to it and quickly picked it up. A man behind me said “I thought that no one would buy that!”. I laughed and said it was exactly what I was looking for! He looked at me strangely. I didn’t bother to explain.
He was unaware that auto and gas station related items are very collectible and not easy to find. To him, I suppose he thought of the sign as a cast-off that no longer had a purpose. I took it to my shop, cleaned it up and hung it prominently in the window. Much to my delight it didn’t take long for it to sell.
God looks at us in much the same way. He sees our potential and the “hidden value” that may not be readily apparent to the untrained eye. He sees past the things that have rusted us or the events that have turned us into cast-offs and he will quickly pick us up with the same exhilaration that I feel each time I grasp onto a treasure at a sale. Well, I guess it is not quite the same exhilaration… His is much greater because he knows that you and I are at risk if we are left to our own desires. He will rush in and snatch you up quickly and restore you beyond your wildest imagination. He uncovers your greatest potential and makes it shine! Unlike the inanimate objects that I hunt for, you have a choice. Ask Him to “find” you today. Ask his forgiveness for your wayward heart and let the glory begin!!
Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
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