RUN LIKE A CHAMPION

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chronicles 16:9 nasb)
It’s not the wealthy, the famous, or the intelligent that God is looking for. It’s not our abilities or our backgrounds that are so important to Him. He’s not impressed with our status, race, or family history. God is looking for hearts that are completely His. When He finds such a heart, He will work extraordinarily on behalf of that person.
Occasionally I’m asked who are my heroes. You’ve probably never heard of most of them. But they’re humble, godly people who are well known to the Father. One such person is a photographer from Brazil. He doesn’t come from a wealthy family or have a string of university degrees. He’s a simple man from a humble background. But he loves God with all of his heart. Many years ago, a man took him as his apprentice and taught him how to take pictures.
My friend Selio (pronounced sell-you), now travels the world taking pictures for Christ. I first met him while preaching in Brazil. He would come and take pictures of our meetings. He takes photos only of Christian events and ministries. He goes to different countries taking pictures of mission work. He trusts God and goes.
I’ve been amazed to watch God provide for him. He once said he would like to go to China and take pictures of my ministry there. I told him he was welcome to come, but asked how he would get there. He said, “Don’t worry. God will provide.”
I then asked, “But how will you find me? There are a billion people in China.”
“Oh, don’t worry. You just tell me what day you will arrive in Beijing, and I’ll find you.”
I told Selio, “Okay, but we’re only going to be there for a couple of days.” I had no idea how Selio would meet up with us. He was traveling throughout Asia taking photos of mission work, and he would try to come to Beijing on the day we arrived. But Beijing is a city teeming with millions of people. To me it looked impossible.
But as I was sitting on the plane in Hong Kong, waiting for the final few passengers to board for Beijing, I looked up and saw Selio getting on the plane. I think he was the last passenger. He was walking down the aisle looking for his seat assignment. And guess which seat he was assigned to: the one next to me!
When he saw me sitting there, he was shocked. He began to praise the Lord. “I told you I would find you, Brother Sammy!”
I just laughed and pondered how good God has been to Selio. His life is filled with God’s mighty works. Even more wonderful, God cares about each of us as much as He cares about Selio. But there’s something special about a person who has surrendered himself fully to God. The Bible says that “the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”
The “eyes of the Lord” is a phrase often used in the Bible to refer to the Holy Spirit. This title for God reveals much to us about God’s character and how He works within us. The eyes of the Lord can search deeply into our lives. They look into the depths of the heart of man. But the eyes of the Lord are also able to search accurately. God knows everything about us. He’s able to see into the darkest corners of our hearts. He knows our motives and our thoughts.
It doesn’t matter our geographic location. He’s there, because He’s everywhere. He goes to and fro throughout the whole earth. He’s in Romania, China, America, Brazil, and Africa. He’s everywhere, and He’ looks deeply into hearts. He’s not concerned with our financial holdings or pedigree. He’s searching our hearts. He’s looking for a heart completely surrendered to Him. When He finds such a heart, He will act swiftly and powerfully on behalf of that person. The eyes of the Lord are looking into your heart right now. What’s He finding?