Oftentimes I preach, “God loves you, and He has a plan and a purpose for your life.” Yet whenever I do, it seems someone in the crowd believes that he or she is an exception. I have heard many reasons why people decide verses like “For God so loved the world ...” (John 3:16) don’t apply to them. Sadly, they have bought into the devil’s lie that they aren’t important enough to be singled out for blessing from among the billions on earth. Or they listen to Satan’s deceiving voice when he insists that they are too weak, sinful, or scarred to merit the Lord’s love.
How do I know that God thinks you are special? Jesus Christ died for you. Because of the heavenly Father’s love for the world, He sent His Son to die on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of everyone living in the past, present, or future. None of us deserve the Father’s care and protection, but thankfully, deserving isn’t the basis for His love. In fact, God’s very nature is love, which He demonstrated through Christ’s death “while we were yet sinners” (Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:8).
God cares so much for His children that He gives each one a place in His plan for the world. Believers are gifted with the talents and attributes needed to carry out His purpose (1 Cor. 12:11). However, Christians who consider themselves exempt from His love aren’t looking for the opportunities He sends. They are too distracted by Satan’s lying voice.
The Lord loves you. He says so again and again in the Scriptures. But don’t take my word for it. Read His Word for yourself and see how much He cares.
Bible in a Year: Isaiah 31-35
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