Read: Psalm 139:13-18; Ephesians 2:8-10
After church, Elizabeth and Mom climbed into the car. “I liked my class today,” Elizabeth said. “It was lots of fun.”
“Good,” said Mom. “Tell me about it.”
“We learned about a Bible story, and we sang some songs.” Elizabeth began to hum one of them.
Mom grinned. “I know that song! I think it’s one of the first ones you learned. Let’s sing it.” So together they sang the words: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”
Elizabeth stopped singing and looked at her mom. “Does God really love me?” she asked.
“Of course He does!” Mom said. “God loves you very much.”
“Why?” asked Elizabeth. “Why does He love me?”
“Well, think of it this way.” Mom pointed to a picture Elizabeth held in her hand. “I see you have a picture full of flowers and trees and nice green grass. That picture is special to you, isn’t it? Why do you like it so much?”
Elizabeth looked at her drawing. “I made it in class today,” she said proudly.
Mom smiled and nodded. “It’s something like that with God. He made us, and that’s one reason why we’re very special to Him. It’s one of the reasons He loves us.”
“So God loves me the way I love my picture?” Elizabeth asked.
“Well, I know your picture is special to you, but you know what? You’re more special to God than that. Much more! He loves you even more than I do.”
Elizabeth gazed at her picture. “Whoa,” she said. “That’s a lot, isn’t it, Mom?”
“Yes, it is,” said Mom. “God loves us all so much that He sent Jesus, His very own Son, to die for our sins and make us His children. That’s another reason He loves us—because we belong to Him. When we trust in Jesus, He makes us new people and helps us share His love with others. The Bible calls us His handiwork—His masterpiece or artwork.”
When they got home, Mom helped Elizabeth put her artwork on her bedroom wall where she could see it every morning when she woke up. And every morning it reminded her that God made her and that she was special to Him.
–Karen E. Cogan
How about you? Is there something that’s special to you because you made it? Well, God made you, and you’re very special to Him. In fact, God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die so you could be His child. Do you love Him too? Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? Don’t wait any longer. Put your trust in the one who made you and loves you. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)
Today’s key verse: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Today’s key thought: God made you and loves you
