Pastor Steve Gibson
February 2021
This is a season when we may be reminded how important it is to be valued, to belong. Apparently this is a healthy desire which God planted within us. Does He have anything to say about belonging? Does He let us know where we belong?
The prophet Isaiah records: But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned…for I am the Lord your God…since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you…fear not for I am with you” 43:1-5 NKJV.
Maybe you will hear someone declare in February: “No one bothered to send me a valentine.” Is that a true statement? While it is true that many will not take time to read their valentine message from God, most of us have access to a Bible and can read Isaiah 43:1. Our Creator God says, “You are Mine”. That’s about as clear a statement as we could ask for isn’t it? The main question is whether we choose to accept God’s offer as the answer to our need for belonging. We are precious to Him and loved by Him. That is an amazing assurance. We are not alone because He is with us.
In a day when isolation and distancing are a regular part of living, we have God’s refreshing reminder that we need not be separated from a caring heart — His caring heart. Should anyone want to ask the question, Just how much do you love me? The answer is emphatic. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to be with us and to live and die for us (John 3:16). Most parents would agree that would take a great deal of love. We are not without an adequate demonstration of the extent of God’s love for people. Often that love becomes more real to those who are uncertain when it is reflected in the life of a person in their world. That is where missionaries can play a role. And in that sense, all of us can serve as missionaries.
There is probably someone whose path you will cross this month who needs a clearer picture of how much God cares for them. Maybe that person is even in your own family or living on your street. Would you be open to serving as an ambassador in February for the King of Kings? Would you be willing to volunteer for such a high calling? Would you consider sharing the great assurance with someone that they are not alone? God’s promise in Isaiah 43:2 & 5 is that you won’t be alone when you take that assignment. He will be with you.