God's love for you specifically and intimately - NCCG.ORG Ning Network Archive 2008-10

by Andrea Sigust

When many of us hear the phrase, God loves you; we may not say it, but deep down we may think, “Big news flash: He loves everybody, right!?” We may be grateful to God for being alive, etc.; but deep down, we know there’s a big difference between being grateful and feeling loved. So, does God really know you and love you specifically?

Consider this: Even though you physically came “through” your parents, you were divinely crafted and came “from” God. Even if your parents didn’t handle the assignment of caring for you as they should, you’re still precious to Him. He created you as an individual. You may not have been born in ideal circumstances or at human’s best timing, but you’re no accident or burden to God. He may want you to grow and change your attitude or behavior in some way. He may not like or approve of everything that you do. But, He still loves you as a person; and contrary to what many people think; He’s not in heaven shaking His head and fist at your flaws and failures. God knows who you are; knows why you are the way you are; and loves you intimately through the life long haul.

If you’ve considered that God loves and knows you specifically; also consider that in this tapestry of life, there are things that He plans and things that He permits. What He plans is what He ultimately intends for us. What He permits is what He allows according to human choices: our choices or other people’s choices. But always remember; anything that God permits in your life can ultimately be used toward the benefit of your God-given purpose -- if you allow Him to use it. Whether you remain a lifelong victim is ultimately your choice; but it definitely isn’t God’s will, plan or intent for any of us. If you allow it, He can take your pain, and let it be transformed into a place of fruitful, life-giving power for yourself and other people. One of the places where that concept is illustrated in the Bible, is through the words of a man named Joseph. He said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

Again, everything that happens with you may not be according to His perfect plan; because, we've all been given the ability to choose: for the good, bad or ugly. But, whatever you don’t get properly from some people (Ex: love, affection, justice, etc.), God can work things through, and give you freely in a variety of ways. One of His many areas of expertise is making beauty from ashes. You’re no surprise to God; He loves you with His life; He won’t give up on you, or ever stop trying to direct you to His best.

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" Zephaniah 3:17.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us …” 1 John 4:9-10.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love..” Jeremiah 31:3

Much Peace and Many Blessings :-)

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