_JPG.jpg)
No matter what you’ve experienced with people before, I want you to know, and more importantly, God wants you to know that you have a permanent place of belonging with Him. The Lord’s idea of belonging differs greatly from the worlds. Thank goodness!
The ways of the world are fickle, and its acceptance of us comes and goes depending on our performance, while our unconditional acceptance from God is steadfast and based on pure love. I’ve discussed this topic with women before and hurts from as far back as elementary and high school are still fresh in our minds. Memories from the playground and being picked last for a team still cause pain, even after all these years, and lingering feelings of being on the outside still affect us today. Rejection from our past may occasionally rear its ugly head and bring a fresh sting to our heart. Some of our experiences with rejection are much more recent. Contrary to the way we often treat each other and the requirements we impose, God doesn’t demand that we are the fastest, smartest, most talented, or most fashionable to be accepted. In fact, He invites us to come as we are. He removes all the ridiculous and unimportant standards we place on each other, and He invites us to come to Him simply as is. We are accepted: sweatpants, messy hair, flaws, awkwardness, silliness, and all. Isn’t that refreshing?
The only thing God does require is that we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Based on His sacrifice alone, we have a place of belonging. No one can snatch us from the Father’s hand.
Isaiah 41:9, “I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
To hear the full message listen to my podcast, "You Belong."
Comments