“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” -Jeremiah 1:5
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” -Psalms 139:13 -16
God knows everything about me! He deliberately created me. He intentionally created you! What does that mean? Intentionally is defined as “deliberately; on purpose.” Ask any craftsman about a piece of work they have created and they will remember it. It takes time to create a piece of art. You are a piece of art. You are unique and loved. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” -John 10:14
We need to stop listening to the voices all around us. The ones who know nothing about us. We can’t let people “bully” us into thinking we are worthless. We can’t allow their opinions to become our facts. The fact is, you are special. The fact is God loves you so much that He created you with a purpose, with intent. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you on the cross to ensure He would be with you for eternity.
He didn’t just create you, though. No, He didn’t stop there – He made sure that He had a plan for YOUR life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Wow! Plans for prosperity, hope, and a future! You are valuable! Not feeling that way? Perhaps it is time to seek God and get to know Him better. Maybe it is time to put down the plans you have made for your life and pick up the ones He has for your life. There is nothing in this life that God won’t go through with you in this life.
In the realm of current events, we often witness nations embroiled in conflicts and the suffering of individuals. This inevitably prompts the question: Where does God fit into all of this? Some may even point fingers at God, but it’s important to note that this isn’t His doing. God granted us the gift of free will. This means we have the liberty to either align ourselves with the path He’s laid out for us or impose our own desires and wishes, not only on our lives but also on others.
The real question is, do you acknowledge and accept this? God foretold that life would be fraught with trials and tribulations, but He assured us that He wouldn’t abandon us. Consider the story of Daniel in the lion’s den. Daniel, a devoted servant of God, faced the terrifying prospect of being thrown into a den of lions. It’s crucial to understand that these were no ordinary, docile lions; they were creatures deliberately deprived and provoked, manipulated for the amusement of those in positions of power. This act was a form of punishment; it was equivalent to being sentenced to the ultimate capital punishment.
Yet, what happened? God was there in the lion’s den WITH Daniel. He didn’t allow harm to come to Him. He had plans for Daniel and Daniel believed that no matter where He was, God was in charge.
How about being thrown into a fiery furnace as happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? What happened? There was a fourth person in the fire with them! God was there! There are times, however, that God’s people will go through and there will be death and destruction. There will be a senselessness in what is going on. I believe all things work for the good of those who love the Lord. That all things happen according to His will and purpose, even if we can’t see it.
Just like God was with Daniel, and with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – He is with us. He loves you. He loves me. A man may fail and let you down, but God never will. He will provide for you. Seek Him. Know Him. Trust Him.
Prayer:
Lord,
You know our hearts. You know our situation. You know when we are hurting and when we are celebrating. Father, I ask that You just continue to be with us. That You continue to watch over us and remind us that we are loved. I ask that You bless those who are feeling down and forgotten. I pray for those who may feel dismayed and may be contemplating ways to disappear. I ask that You touch them. That You send your angels to watch over and keep them. Wrap Your wings around them and let them feel the safety and shelter of Your love. I ask that You touch them so they come to know You and understand that they are always loved and wanted. That You never forget us. That You are always with us.
In Jesus Name, Amen.