"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light." Genesis 1:1-3
That's how God created. He spoke. With a mighty breath He exhaled galaxies. By the billions.
According to National Geographic, the number of galaxies cannot be counted. The observable universe alone may contain 100 billion. Galaxies with less than a billion stars are considered "small galaxies." In our own galaxy, the sun is just one of about 100 billion stars.
Are you grasping those numbers? Billions.
That vastness absolutely boggles my mind. Our God breathed out that which we will never be able to fully count. Yet He knows the number of hairs on your head.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground
outside of your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
outside of your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
Assigning a number indicates a desire to keep track. When God sees His people, he doesn't see a flock. Or a rabble of hair. Or a herd of heads. He sees YOU. Individually.
His beautiful, beloved child.
His love is writing your story to the end ... with mercy's pen. God knows you by name. And He never forgets about you. How can you be sure?
"I have written your name on the palm of My hand." Isaiah 49:16
The God of the universe, Creator of everything, has YOUR NAME carved on His mighty hand.
Jesus, His Son our Savior, chose to wear a crown that scarred to win our heart. To endure scourging to the brink of death. To be nailed on a cross and die. But that's not the end of His story. Or ours.
God rolled back that stone from the tomb on Easter morning and raised Jesus in resurrection glory so that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus' sacrifice bridged the gap between heaven and hell for all those who believe by faith.
The reason Jesus couldn't stay inside the grave? YOU.
He loves you THAT much.
"God loves you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3
Have you ever had difficulty grasping how much God loves you?
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Shivers. Delicious shivers. AMEN!!! Fabulous, gripping post today, Donna!!
ReplyDeleteHe is IT, Girl. Just IT!! Hugs...
DeleteIn 2006, I moved from VA to TX with a guy I thought loved me. And I basically told God I was choosing this guy over Him.
ReplyDeleteTwo months later, I felt the urge to go to the community pool. There was one person in the pool (now this is in July)and ten minutes later, I was alone.
I am swimming back and forth, not really focused on anything, and I heard an audible voice ask, "Why are you settling for 2nd best when I want to give you My very best?" I looked around and saw no one.
I knew, then, who had spoken to me and my only answer was, "I don't know." Suddenly God's love washed over me like the water in the pool. When I returned to the apt. I told this guy I was moving out as soon as possible.
I am still in awe of how much God loves me. Months later, He sent me to my soul mate. We were married Oct 2010.
What an incredible story for us and an AMAZING experience for you! And may I say? That took guts, my Friend. It takes guts galore to change your lifestyle in an instant. And God abundantly blessed your obedience. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this here today. Wow...
DeleteDonna, these beautiful words gave me goosebumps and tears. The love He has for us is unfathomable! What a beautiful post! (Bookmarking it to ask you if I can reprint it in the "Nebraska Family Times" for the Easter issue next year!)
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU so much for sharing this!
Shelly, His love is IMMEASURABLE! I'm so thankful He used this to touch your life. And yes, please bookmark away! It's a privilege to serve you and your fellow Nebraskans. :)
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