One of the things I like about watching HGTV is to see how they repurpose and reuse previously discarded materials. I love how they find new uses for discarded items or give new life to things that are worn out and thought of as worthless. The creativity shown is inspiring.

When I watch that, I can’t help but think, “That’s what God does with us!” He takes our lives that are broken, used up, and seemingly useless, and repurposes us. He gives us new life and makes us more beautiful than before. When everyone else sees someone worth discarding, God sees potential. This gives me so much hope.

In Isaiah 41, God had strong words for Israel. They had fallen away and were scattered. They were a people who were broken and thought of as trash, but God doesn’t like to leave His children that way. In verse 9 He said, “I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.”

God will not toss you out with yesterday’s garbage; He values you highly. God can use you because of all your baggage and brokenness, not despite it. He intends to use you and your unique story in marvelous ways.

This is Andrew Palau.