So often one comes up against the question: What am I actually doing here on earth? What is my purpose? Does my life have a calling? And unfortunately, there are times in our lives when we don’t have answers to these questions.

This happens especially in times of hardship. Times when we have more questions than answers. Times when nothing wants to work out the way we thought it would. Then we become filled with loads of uncertainty, wondering if we’re the flop in the package.

This reminds me of a story of a businessman who had pipes imported from China in the eighties. In his order he indicated that it should not deviate by more than 5%.

The Chinese couldn’t understand what he meant, because when they manufactured a product, it was 100%. They knew nothing about a percentage deviation. Eventually, they sent the order 95% perfectly correct and 5% intentionally crooked.

This may sound like a ridiculous story, but this is exactly what God is like. As they say, God don’t make no junk. This is so true. God made each of us for a reason. God hand-picked each of us. You don’t believe me? Let’s have a look. Paul said: ⁴It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.

God hand-picked you.

Repeat it to yourself: God loves me so much. He chose me and I am special. Because it’s true. God sees no deviation. For God, I am 100%.

Yes, it’s true, even if it doesn’t look and feel like it to you. Maybe you’ve made a few poor choices and now you’re in trouble. Know that the circumstances in which you find yourself can never take away the fact that God loves you, that He has chosen you, and that you are special.

It doesn’t matter how big your sin is. Not even sin can take away God’s love for you. God still loves us despite all our sin. Even if I made the worst mess-up, I am still chosen by God and miraculously He still thinks I’m special.

When I look back on my life, I’m embarrassed by all the things I did. And when I realise that God never grew less, I’m astounded. Then I want to pull myself from that hole and start living a full life in the world as a beloved, chosen and special 100% child of God.

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

Reflection

Do you think you’re special?

Do you think God loves you?

Do you believe that God chose you specially?

Prayer

Father, I needed this confirmation today. That You, the almighty God, had chosen me to be your child. Please help me to believe that this is true for me too and that I never have to doubt it, ever. Amen.