I tease my wife and my youngest sister that they were their parent’s favorites, because they were born last.

Yes, my parents were probably stricter with the first born like me, because they had never parented before. They wanted to raise me right. But by the fourth child, they relaxed more.

God loves everyone equally. He is not a respecter of persons. He loves everyone equally, and judges them based on their own behaviors while on earth. He is an equal-opportunity God!

“And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 1 Peter 1:17 NLT

In other words, God uses nobodies! You may be unknown to our world, but you are known to God. And what impresses God? A clean and humble heart. A love-slave. A worshipper!

God wants to use you, and has both a

general and specific plan for your life.

Generally, He wants all of us to be mature disciples. Reading the Bible, praying, giving, serving, worshiping, sharing our faith, and making more disciples are His hopes for you, and all believers.

But specifically, God has unique tests, steps of faith and rewards awaiting you. He wants you to learn to depend upon Him alone. His specific plan gradually unfolds as we successfully complete each step of faith.

So we don’t compare ourselves to each other. That is unspiritual. Rather we rejoice to see how God uses others. Then we invite the Spirit to search and cleanse our own heart. Why? He is always preparing us for the holy things He has uniquely called us to be a part of.

It’s the greatest adventure possible!