FORMED BY THE FATHER
"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations."
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)
I remember the moment I held my first child in my arms. It was overwhelming to think that this tiny, perfect human had been growing inside my wife for months, and I hadn't even known them yet. But God had known them—He had already planned every detail of their life before they were born. It was a humbling realization that life is not just a random occurrence but part of a divine plan. It was so overwhelming that all the nurses in attendance were concerned that I was going to fall over—but I'm happy to report that I managed to pull it together and remain upright.
Jeremiah 1:5 gives us a glimpse into God's intimate knowledge of us. Before we even existed in the physical sense, God had already formed us in His mind. He knew our personality, our talents, our struggles and our purpose. And then it was God Himself who formed us within our mothers—what a beautiful truth to grasp! Just as He set Jeremiah apart for a specific task, He also has a unique plan for each of us.
It's easy to feel lost or insignificant in a world full of people. We might wonder if our lives really matter or if we're making any difference at all. But this verse reminds us that we were created on purpose, for a purpose. God knows us fully and has set us apart for His work in ways we may not even fully realize yet. You matter. You're not here by accident. You have a purpose in this world— even if right now it's difficult to fully grasp what it may be.
APPLICATION: Spend time in prayer this week, asking God to reveal the specific ways He has set you apart for His purpose. Reflect on how you can use the unique gifts He's given you to impact the lives of those around you. Trust that your life is part of His bigger plan.
PRAYER: Father, I know You created me on purpose for a purpose. Help me live from the confident assurance that You created me at this exact moment in history, exactly as I am, that I might glorify You. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?