In the beginning years of my ministry, I would often pray that God would send influential people to the church I served. I asked him for leaders, teachers, administrators and others who would help me build the kingdom the way I thought it should be built.

Instead, God sent to us people who were dealing with all sorts of problems: physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, mental, etc. Instead of rubbing elbows with successful professionals, I found myself helping those who could barely help themselves.

Does this prove that God has a sense of humor?

I think the main reason God answered my prayer in this totally unexpected way was to teach me one of his highest priorities. Throughout Scripture, God continually reminds us that he cares deeply for those who are downtrodden and are struggling through life.

And he wants us to care deeply for them too.

“The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew 25:40.