It’s Valentine’s Day. It’s a day all about love. But what about those of us who do not have someone to remind us how much we are loved and cherished? Well today, I am going to be that person for you.
I recently read this book, Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven. It’s a beautiful story about self-value and confidence. In the story, there’s a girl names Libby Strout. After Libby’s mother passes away, she eats and eats and gains so much weight, that she had to be cut out of her house and removed by a crane. After years of being homeschooled and losing some weight, Libby decides to reenter the world and go to high school as a junior. While there, she is reminded by the “popular girls” how she is fat and ugly and is even given notes telling her, “You are not wanted.” Libby has an amazing family, boyfriend, and friends who love her for everything that she is but even with her support system, she sometimes doubts herself. But in the end, she knows her worth. She sees that she is wanted, and lets her school and the world know it. Not only does she remind people that she is wanted, she also reminds them that they are too.
“You are wanted.” A concept that I have struggled with since I can remember. I have never seen myself as valuable or worth anything. Maybe you have felt this way during your life, but I am here to tell you that you are wanted. I don’t know your whole story but I’m sure there are people in your life who love and value you. But not only are you wanted by them, you are also wanted by a loving God.
Remember that God specifically made you. In the entire history of the world, God believed His creation would not be complete without you in it. And because He is your creator, He knows everything about you. Psalm 139 is a beautiful depiction of how God knows every little bit of us. David writes, “For You created my inmost being;You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Your works are wonderful,I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14) You are a wonderful creation! You are special and unique. There is only one you.
But can a perfect God really want a sinful me? The answer is YES!!!!
I am nowhere near perfect. I mess up daily. He knows that, and yet, He wants me. God sees me through Christ and therefore sees me as perfect. The same goes for you. He knows all of your faults and misgivings, and yet He still loves you. Despite our sinful natures, He wanted us to have a relationship with Him and to spend eternity with Him so badly that He was willing to sacrifice His son. Jesus did nothing to deserve God’s wrath, and yet He took the punishment for our sins. Why? Because He wants you.
He wants all of you. He knows all of your secrets and imperfections, and guess what? He still wants you! Isn’t that amazing?! He has so much love to give and He wants to share it with you. He even believes that you are worth dying for. He craves to share His love, and all we have to do is accept it. Accept this gift of grace. It might not make sense to us because why would a perfect God do such a thing? But we don’t have to understand it, we just need to receive this gift and let Him love us.
I am here to tell you that you are wanted. Maybe you think you aren’t because you see all of your faults and maybe someone has even pointed them out to you. Maybe someone has even told you they don’t want you. But God constantly reminds us through His word, His sacraments, and through prayer that we are all desired. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! You are all dearly loved and wanted.
Not only am I here to tell you that you are wanted, but I am called to share this amazing story with everyone. In a couple of months, I am going to be able to tell people all around the world they are wanted and loved by an awesome God. I have the privilege of sharing this Good News with the world, and I cannot wait to be used by God in so many ways. And I ask you to partner with me as I prepare to do so and while I am actually doing it. Please help me make sure that people know how precious and valuable they are no matter their social standing, their faults, or misgivings. God wants everyone, and He is going to use me to make sure they all know it. Please pray for my me and please consider donating to my mission trip. Thank you!
