Sitting in a room with an extremely handicapped young girl I began to see the hopelessness in her situation. I wondered what the purpose of living a life like this was. How can her situation glorify God in any way? But after spending some more time with her I realized I was just looking at her in the wrong way.
I had the opportunity to spend a day at a home for disabled and handicapped children. Most of them had no way of speaking or even moving. How do you get to know someone like this? How do you know what their dreams and passions are? Many people would argue that people like this have no reason to live. But what I saw during my time with them would say the opposite.
While at the home I began looking several of the kids in the eyes, telling them how valuable and loved they are. They would respond with groans and smile the best they could. Ordinarily, I would simply see the misery in their situations but God showed me so much more. I saw purpose. I saw hope. I saw a calling.
Something incredible happens when we begin to see people through a different lens. These children’s identity is not found in their handicaps and physical condition. Their identity and purpose can be found when looking at them the way Jesus looks at each one of us. He doesn’t look at us with physical eyes but rather with the eyes of His heart. He sees beyond what is holding us back from our purpose. He sees His sons and daughters that were made for greatness.
My desire is to begin looking at everyone I come in contact with this vision. I want to be someone that sees the gift in everyone. I want to be someone who helps people realize and fulfill their destiny.
When we begin to look at people in this way it opens the door for God to work. We are the mouthpiece of God to tell people of their importance. We have the opportunity to spark something in them that has been waiting to be ignited.
To be honest, I am not sure exactly what God’s purpose is for these children specifically but I know without a doubt that they have greatness on the inside of them. We are no different. If you need a to feel a sense of purpose in your life ask God to tell you what He sees in You. Allow Him to redefine who you are.
