You are fearfully and marvelously made. How can I tell you that? Well, the Bible tells us that in Psalms. We’re also told that God has uniquely made each of us and knows us by name. The unique comment being proven by science through the recognition of DNA, that is unique to each of us. And BTW, we don’t need science to confirm what God has said and promised in his Word.
God is not a junk dealer but a heart healer and purpose revealer. Our Father tells us that he knew us before we were in our mom’s womb and that he had ‘set us apart’ for the marvelous plans that he has for our life. Truth! I earnestly want to help every person that God places in my path to know that they are specially created, with never-ending gifts endowed by their Father in Heaven. My prayer is they receive, believe and achieve. (I sound like a Dr. Seuss book right now.)
Think about this with me. The man that Jesus selected, taught daily for 3 years, encouraged and appointed as “the rock upon which I will build my church,” failed miserably in the hour of Jesus’ very purpose for coming to earth. Jesus’ “rock” sunk like a stone. Denying the Son of God in his hour of betrayal and ultimate death. Not once, twice but three times he denied his Messiah. And all in a matter of minutes.
“Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.” Matthew 26:69-74 NLT
This could have been the end of Peter’s story and humankind would have remembered him as yet another broken failure who in their time of greatest calling, drifted into the abyss of fear and regret. Jesus knew the heart of his rock, Peter, and that he would build his Church. He knew that the heart would only fully emerge and become the absolute protector and expander of God’s infant Church by first being exposed and broken. Peter did not disappoint again, all the way until his crucifixion upside down on yet another wretched cross.
So, you’ve failed. You’ve wandered. You’ve been ambiguous and you have doubted. So what! You’ve learned much about yourself. Much about your weaknesses because Satan’s plan is to convince you that you are not made for marvelous purpose. God says that you are. How about no more groveling in the angst of failure? How about assuming the role as God’s daughter or son that you are created to live and share?
If a stuttering murderer can lead God’s children out of Egypt. God can use you. If an adulterer can be called ‘a man after my own heart,’ God will use you. If the worst persecutor of the early Church can become its greatest champion. Isn’t it possible, just possible that God can and will use you? And further to the point, isn’t it likely that the God who knew and created you before time began, does indeed have marvelous plans for you?
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” Proverbs 3:5-12 MSG
Seize today. You were made for this time. Your life experiences are someone’s else’s life hope. You matter. Your value immeasurable and assigned by the King of all kings. Where you are sitting right now does not define you. Your definition has already been assigned. Do you accept?
You’ve got this.