When thinking about God’s purpose for my life, I often find my mind wandering to – why me? I mean, God did put each one of us on Earth for a purpose. However, based on all the things that I have done – the mistakes I have made, and even worse, the bad decisions I have made – why would He still want to use me? What could I possibly do to help Him? There are so many other people more worthy of His love, His guidance and to fulfill His plans.
Now, I know that I shouldn’t feel this way. As a mother, I cannot imagine my children doing anything that would lessen my love for them or my belief in them. I would never want them to feel unworthy of my unconditional love and belief in them. And, if I feel that way in my Earthly knowledge and love, just imagine how God must feel about each one of us.
- He CREATED us
- He picked out each part of us to make us one whole person (Psalms 139:13)
- He specifically put us on Earth at this very time in history
- He gave us specific talents to help fulfill His plans (1 Peter 4:10)
But, I have just done so many things that were not part of His plan. I am ashamed of my past. And honestly, I am ashamed of some of my current choices. I do not feel worthy of His love, of His support, or of His forgiveness.
Do you ever feel that way?
One of the many reasons I love the Bible is because it helps us in all circumstances, and this is no different. See, when Jesus was on Earth, he shared many parables about His love for all of His children – those who have followed Him from the beginning, and for those who were lost and then were found. The Gospel of Luke, chapter fifteen, includes three such parables: The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7), The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) & The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Here is a portion of one of them:
Luke 15:4-7 (ESV) – The Parable of the Lost Sheep
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
So, when I find myself back in the grips of feeling unworthy, I remember these Bible stories. I feel like God ensured they were added into the Bible for people like me, for times like these. And, He didn’t just add one parable, He ensured several were in there to reinforce the point –
We can ALWAYS come home again!
Not only can we come home, He is waiting for us to come home. He is right at the other side of the door just waiting for us to open it and jump into His arms. He longs to celebrate our return home, our return to Him!
Matthew West has a great song titled “Grace Wins” that describes this struggle that I go through. I love these lines in the chorus:
There’s a war between guilt and grace
And they’re fighting for a sacred space
But I’m living proof
Grace Wins Every Time!
Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JXl1czvh7g
I do believe Grace Wins! I believe that when we choose Him, He rejoices in Heaven – another lost sheep has found it’s way home. And, I believe He cares that way about each and every one of us. There is nothing we can do that could ever change His love for us!
God love us so very much, He gave His only Son so that we would have the opportunity to go to Heaven. He chose us specifically to be here at this time in history. He has given each of us unique talents to help fulfill His Holy plan. And, Hebrews 13:21 reminds us:
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today in Thanksgiving! I am so very thankful for Your unconditional love. I am so very thankful that, when I come to You sincerely repenting of my sins and asking for Your forgiveness, You forgive me! I am so very thankful You provided reassurance through The Bible parables; You rejoice when any one of us come back into Your Arms. And, I am so very thankful for wonderful songwriters and authors whose messages point us back to The Bible, to Your words, and to Your promises.
Father, I prayerfully ask You to help me overcome my feelings of unworthiness. I know You love me. You love all of Your children. And, just as I would never want any one of my children to feel unworthy of my love, I know You do not want this for me – for any one of us. Please open my eyes, my ears and my heart. Please help me overcome my own self-doubt. As I continue to seek Your purpose for my life, I know that I will need to overcome these feelings first.
And, Father, I pray for each person reading this who has struggled or is struggling with similar feelings. I pray that You please help each one of us as we overcome these feelings and see ourselves through Your eyes. You have placed us here on Earth at this time. You have a purpose for each one of us, and You have equipped us to achieve that purpose.
I love You! I thank You! I praise You!
In Jesus’ Holy Name,
Amen!
