The Pursuit of Happyness: Wonderfully Made with Potential - Wesleyan (Psalm 139:13-16)

Chris Gardner's story isn’t just a tale of survival; it's a powerful testament to the truth of Psalm 139—that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made. Picture this: a young Chris, standing in a bustling San Francisco, his heart racing as he clutches a small bundle of dreams in his hands, navigating a life fraught with trials. He’s not just trying to scrape by; he’s fighting against the currents of poverty and despair that threaten to pull him under.

Yet, even in the darkest moments—when he slept in subway stations and faced the humiliation of living on the edge—there was something deep within him that sparked with potential. His story echoes the concept of prevenient grace, a divine whisper calling us to rise above our circumstances. Just like the Psalmist writes, God’s hand has knit together every fiber of our being, infusing us with dignity and purpose, no matter our external situation.

In those sleepless nights, as Chris cradled his infant son in his arms, he wasn’t just a father struggling to make ends meet; he was a living testament that our creation is not diminished by our challenges. His potential wasn’t buried beneath layers of hardship; it was waiting to be unveiled, ignited by faith and perseverance.

Imagine the warmth of hope igniting in his heart as he took the leap to pursue that internship, a beacon of light guiding him toward a brighter future. In his pursuit of happiness, Chris exemplifies that we are not defined by our struggles but by the grace that beckons us to step forward. Each of us carries a treasure of potential within, waiting to blossom as we respond to God’s loving call. We are wonderfully made, wonderfully equipped—ready to embrace the life God has woven for us.