But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you…you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:1-3; 4b
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the responsibility of parenting? One night in particular sticks out in my mind. It had been a rough day filled with emergencies: a plugged trach, low oxygen levels, unsuccessful feeding attempts. We had been in the hospital with him for close to two months and still I couldn’t imagine how I could handle taking care of him. Surely, someone else would know how to be a better mom to him. Some people just seem to be made for this. Not me. I felt so inadequate. So scared. A friend then reminded me that I was specially chosen and equipt to be Ethan’s mom. See, God created me. He knew what was in store for me when He formed me and called me by name. And He promised that I didn’t have to go it alone. Why? Because I’m precious to Him. Precious, honored, and loved by my creator.
When you feel like you’re drowning, call upon your Creator. Read the verse above and fill in your name. Hear him reassuring you that He’s with you. And feel precious because you are. He says so.