Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

“I must be the most ordinary person in the world!”  Those were the words of Ethan, a boy who wondered why he was even born!

From a young age, Ethan felt like he never quite fit in. His clothes were seconds that his mother bought at a used clothes store. His dad gave him a buzz haircut once a month. No matter what sport he tried, he felt like he stunk at them all. He didn’t think he was good-looking or smart. Nor did he excel in any particular area of his life. If there was a word for the opposite of cool, that was how Ethan felt. And to top it off, he never seemed to catch the attention of any of the girls he was attracted to at school.

Throughout his childhood, Ethan felt insecure and uncared for, except by his loving and supportive parents. They were his rock and source of comfort in a world that seemed determined to make him feel inadequate. Though they constantly reminded him of his worth and encouraged him to embrace his unique qualities, Ethan just thought they were trying to be loving parents and didn’t believe a word of it!

In Ethan’s teenage years,  a chance encounter changed his life forever. He sat next to a middle-aged man on a city bus who was reading his Bible. Ethan asked him if he liked reading the Bible! The man replied, “The Bible and learning about Jesus changed my entire life! I love reading my Bible and do so every day!” The man told Ethan all about Jesus and of God’s boundless love. The stranger spoke passionately about how Jesus had sacrificed his life for all humanity and how anyone who believed in Him would find forgiveness of sin, God’s love and acceptance, the purpose of life, and the gift of eternal life in Heaven.

Intrigued by the stranger’s words, Ethan began to read a Bible given to him by his grandmother. As he explored it, he could feel his faith and hunger to learn more growing.  As he began to enquire about church, a classmate invited him to his! Ethan loved it and never missed a Sunday morning! Over time, through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, he discovered an unwavering sense of security and joy. He came to the realization that his worth didn’t depend on his outward appearance, intelligence, or popularity, but on his identity as a beloved child of God.

With newfound confidence and a heart brimming with gratitude, Ethan began to thrive in every aspect of his life. He embraced his unique qualities and learned to confidently lean on God’s grace and help for every part of His life. Over time, he discovered hidden talents, pursued his passions, and became an achiever in his own right.

Ethan’s transformation was remarkable. No longer burdened by insecurities, he radiated genuine happiness and a contagious enthusiasm for life. He became increasingly successful at most everything he put his hand to! He no longer sought validation from others but instead relied on God’s unwavering love and grace.

Recognizing the transformative power of his own experience, Ethan felt called to help young people who struggled with the same insecurities he once had. He dedicated a part of his life to speaking to insecure youth, sharing his story, and encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness. Through his words, he instilled hope, showing them that their worth was not defined by society’s standards but by God’s unchanging love.

Ethan’s message resonated deeply with those who felt inadequate and ordinary. His genuine compassion and understanding allowed him to connect with young people in a way that few others could. He became a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration for countless individuals who had been searching for acceptance and meaning in their lives.

As the years passed, Ethan’s impact continued to grow. His message reached beyond the confines of his small town, reaching individuals from many different walks of life. His dedication to empowering others and reminding them of their inherent worth through Jesus Christ became his life’s mission.

Ethan’s journey from an insecure and unnoticed boy to a confident and accomplished individual was a testament to the transformative power of God’s love. His story was a beacon of hope for those who felt ordinary or marginalized, inspiring them to embrace their unique qualities and discover their true worth.