 |
| Picked Last Courtesy Google Images |
We stood against the wall, waiting. Nervous energy flowed up and down the row of 6th graders. But I knew. No one wanted me. If for no other reason than I was not athletic. This was pointless. The unfortunate classmates stuck with me on their team would pay the price.
We all knew it.
I accepted it. I was overweight. Couldn't run without my lungs pushing my heart into my throat and out through my nose. Hated most sports. Gym class was just a fulfillment of class requirements.
The truth was, it wasn't possible for anyone to actually want me on their team. I wasn't fast enough. Couldn't volley a ball, sink it in a basket, or make it fly across an outfield.
Over the years, an outer shell developed that would protect a wounded and unloved heart from certain rejection. The underlying sentiment ran along the current of wanting to belong somewhere or with a group of people. It was the split between self-preservation and looking for community in the same circle.
 |
| Courtesy Google Images |
I bring this up because every person on earth was planned. The ideas surrounding facial structure, height, hair color (and its thickness), gifts and talents, passions, and convictions were poured into our personalities before the moment of our conception (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5).
Every individual's worth is embedded in the careful planning and imagination of our Creator God. Our identity is wrapped in His careful, intentional workmanship.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV)
He knew, as he formed us in the secret, what our lives would look like, the difficulties we would endure, and the triumphs we would celebrate. He allowed each dynamic to be part of the thing that shapes us, strengthens, and sustains us.
No one wants to see struggle in their life, especially during the storm. If we allow it, we will be able to minister to others around us through our experiences. It's part of the plan. Our purpose. God's design. To draw us to Himself.
You might ask, "Why would God allow me to go through such horrible pain?" Job asked. He lost wealth, family, and health tragically and unexpectedly. His friends told him it was his own sin. It wasn't. His wife told him to curse God and die. He never got that answer, but he did get to know the majesty and beauty of God in the process. And then God restored all that was taken from Job.
The truth is, we have been planned. Our story is part of the process. No victory is won without a battle. No team becomes victorious without rigorous training.
I believe it is possible to forfeit our purpose. We do it by refusing to grow through the process by allowing God to strengthen and mature us.
The Apostle Paul endured many hardships after his conversion from persecutor of the church to author of several letters to the church, in passion and compassion for God's people. He told the Galatians that even his life was planned. "But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles ..." (Galatians 1:15-16).
Knowing that he'd been chosen for this, he encouraged the church. He'd endured beatings, was left for dead, shipwreck, snakebite, and imprisonment. And yet, in Galatians 6 he tells the church, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10).
You and I have a vital role to play.
Let's go all in, even when we are tired. Ask the Lord to strengthen us to take the next step if we need to.
Until next time, give God all praise and thanks. 💜 Karlene J 💜
