“For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jer 29:11 (Amplified)
One fact that markedly differentiates Christianity from and which as a consequence cannot be found in other world religions is the profound concept of a God who we can relate with on a personal basis. This understanding is personified in one of the names of God – El Shaddai, meaning the many breasted One or the One who is more than enough. This means that at no time is any one of His children stranded from receiving His love or precluded from partaking of His bountiful blessings. He has the capacity to attend to one and all at the same time and no one will be left out. As human beings, we are limited to time and space. Even the very best at multitasking can only manage a few things at any one time. Nevertheless, God excels at being able tackle all issues at the same time. This is the reason why millions call on His name in prayer daily and He hears them all and attends to their needs. He is surely an awesome God.
When we consider the magnitude of what is going on in the world, we can quickly start feeling intimidated and appalled at our own insignificance in the greater scheme of things. We can even be tempted to ask ‘Do I really matter to God, seeing that He has unimaginably great and complex issues to deal with everyday? Well, according to our anchor passage, you are important to God and matter to Him. If you don’t believe this truth, then nothing else you read in these two weeks will make any sense to you. The reality of life is that we usually endeavour to make time for those things that we consider important. This truth also applies to God in that however busy He is, He is never too busy to attend to the needs of His children. Just as it operates between a couple, time equates to love with respect to God and His children. This is the reason why you will never hear God say ‘Hold on a minute, I am too busy right now!’
In the stories we will be considering to prove that you can indeed force your way to the top of God’s agenda and thus cause Him to meet your need, one fact that stands out is that Jesus was engaged in an important venture, but when forced by the faith of the petitioners, He never hesitated to digress and attend to their needs. This was His way of saying to those desperate, determined and dependent petitioners – you matter. I have time for you. It is also His way of saying to you ‘Don’t be afraid to boldly ask in faith’ because He is ever attentive to our voices and geared to meeting our needs.
So, if Satan or circumstances are constantly drumming the idea that you are nothing into your ears, resist the demonic pressure and intimidation by countering that God’s word assures you that you matter to Him. You are not an afterthought, but an integral part of God’s plan and He has every intention of causing all things to work together for your good because you love Him, if you will surrender your life and keep Him in charge of the master plan of your life by demonstrating your faith in His ability to see you through. You matter to God. Don’t let Satan convince you otherwise.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the good news that contrary to how it seems, I do matter in the larger scheme of things. As I surrender my life afresh to you today, take me by the hand and lead me into my destiny for the glory of your name. Amen.