Chaplain's Corner: A beautiful work of art
Knowing that God made you just as you are makes a difference.
By Colin Johnson, Neighbourhood Chaplain, Hockliffe Street Baptist Church.
"Knitting is very good for you", said the 80-year-old lady I was visiting. "The hand-to-eye coordination helps keep your brain healthy as you get older, and is a great stress reliever". Her enthusiasm for her subject was catching, and as I said my goodbyes, she had me thinking perhaps I should take it up.
Reflecting on this later, I remembered something from the Bible: "You knitted me together in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). I love this. Just imagine, God, watching over you in the womb. Forming and creating you, like an artist making a beautiful work of art. Imparting to you all the potential for your life: to love and be loved and to make a difference in the world. Perhaps you do not rate yourself very highly, or you have many regrets about your life. Well, this part of the Bible is God saying to you: He has wonderfully created you in his image. Just let this sink in. You are special and important in his eyes.
Knowing that God made you just as you are makes a difference. Gone is the need to conform to others' expectations of how we look, our background, or the education we've had. False messages are easy to believe when we have no other framework to understand why we are here and our purpose in life. But for those who, through faith in Jesus Christ, know God as their heavenly Father, being knitted together in the womb gives a new perspective and basis for liking yourself and enjoying your existence.
And for any believer going through difficult times and tempted to question their value and worth. Remember Jesus' words, "I choose you". Ask him to show you Heaven's perspective and give you new understanding. Let him be your comfort and strength.
Interested in exploring the Christian faith? Join a local Alpha course; see www.lifeofhope.online/alpha