What do these few words conger up in your mind? Today the term “custom-made” relates to almost everything we see: homes, clothing, desserts, musical instruments, vehicles, cabinets, and on and on! People want something nobody else has… the original… something that is NOT mass-produced…
In Jeremiah 1 verse 5 (MSG) we read:
“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that’s what I had in mind for you.”
Crazy, isn’t it? God thought of you and had you “custom-made” before even the world and the tangible things we see and enjoy. You were thought about, planned perfectly, and designed for something very special. To think God thought of you and me before the whisper or shout of creation began is awe-inspiring. In this truth, we gain a new appreciation for Him and for us.
“Before the world or even time began,
we were in God’s heart and in His plan.”
Olivia & Me
Planned
If you are finding this hard to believe, imagine for a moment it is true! Every part of you intricately planned
height and stature
gifts and abilities
when and where you were born
serious or witty
sensitive or fun-loving
intro or extroverted
even that stubborn cowlick or twisted grin.
Just looking at me would make you question the very notion! Who every would think of putting these strange twists and perks of personality and mannerisms in such an unseemly container I call “me”! Or maybe that is the reason we should believe it to be true. God must have a wonderful sense of humor!
I know it makes the thought seem very far-fetched — beyond the boundary of any left field. Yet, He also reassures us that “… by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect…” (I Corinthians 15:10) In other words, if you think I am quite the piece of work, you will have to use a little more imagination to figure out what I would be without God’s grace imprinting my life. Or yours!
There is something steadying about the thought:
to be known
loved
appreciated
purposed
planned
no mistake
no accident!
So, when I am frustrated with “me”, tired of “me”, or disappointed with “me”, I can smile (just a little smile), throw my hands up wide and say, “Look out! Here I come!” Even though mighty I am not and impressive I may never be, God smiles (an ear-to-ear smile) and says, “That’s my girl! She’s custom-made, one of kind, original!”
Prayer Custom Made
Lord Jesus, I thank you not just for the uniqueness of ‘me’
but of all You have made!
I ask for courage to live my life fully ‘me’
but also with vision and grace to embrace the You in others.
Lord, Your design is perfect in every way;
I delight in your incredible goodness and amazing plan.
Today may I live in You and through You to the fullest….
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Want to read more? Try these:
Psalm 91 – God Has You Covered
Don’t Give Up! Don’t Quit! Finish Strong!
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