Have you ever been picked last? Not a great feeling, isn't it? Unless, of course, you know you're not a very good kickball player, and you go in expecting not to be picked at all. But knowing it and experiencing it are two very different things.
Here's some great news for all of us: God doesn't show favoritism. He cares for all his little lambs regardless of talents, abilities, or even social status. Take for instance the occasion when Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead and also healed a woman who had been menstruating non-stop for twelve years (Mark 5:21-43):
One was in a position of prominence, the other was living on the fringes.
One was powerful and influential, the other powerless, unknown, and ignored.
One was honored, the other looked down upon.
Here's the thing: Jesus acted with compassion toward both of them because both of them had great need for Jesus. At the end of the day, while Jairus and the woman lived lives that were worlds apart, they both knew only Jesus could help them. This lets us know we're all a lot more similar than we think. But, more importantly, the entire event confirms—without a trace of doubt—that God cares for all who are hurting, whether they are weak or strong, poor or wealthy, insignificant or significant; God looks past the external markers of identity and sees a humanity that utterly needs him.
This week, be reminded that God cares about you and all your hurts. And be reminded that he's never too busy with everyone else's hurts that he doesn't have time for you. He is always accessible, always available, and always ready to listen to you. Reach out to him. Cry out to him. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).