“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” ~ Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” ~ Psalm 139:14 (ESV)
Did you ever wanted to be famous? I did. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a backup singer for T.Rex; I even learned all the lyrics to all their hit songs… Me, a backup singer to tour with a famous 70’s British band? Thinking back makes me giggle, because I was only 13 years old at their height of fame.
Max Lucado writes in his book “Fearless“:
“Ah, There it is. There is the question. The Amazon River out of which a thousand fears flow: do we matter? We fear we don’t. We fear nothingness, insignificance. We fear evaporation. We fear that in the last tabulation we make no contribution to the final sum. We fear coming and going and non one knowing” and “Connect to someone special and become someone special, right?”
Yes, there it is “connect to someone special…” and maybe, just maybe I can catch a little ray of their lime-light that I too would matter…
That was me when I started blogging some 5 years ago. If you look way back into my archives, I tried so hard to matter. I connected to famous woman so I too would matter in bloggy-ville. I wanted to change the world just like they did. I wanted to be heard – loud and clear. How can I archive that? Link up, hook up…
Well, God had a lesson for me on that…I truly believe that we have to be humbled before He can truly use our gifts. The word “discouragement” was often on my mind; as much so that I wanted to just quit blogging all together — “I didn’t matter”…
But God kept after me; to stay with it. I mattered to Him and His message. He reminded me that we all have different gifts. Not all can be a Beth Moore, Lysa TerKeurst, or Lisa McKay. He gives even ‘small’ people like me a voice – to share about His incredible love, devotion and grace with others.
Sweet one, you too matter to Him. Would’ve sent His only Son into a cruel world to die our death? Would Jesus go all the way up Calvary to be nailed to the cross if we would not matter? I don’t think so!
Today I link up/hook up because men and women are an inspiration to me. I no longer need their lime-light to matter – I matter to Him, and that is enough for me.
Where there times when you linked up so you could catch a lime-light ray? Please do share – it does not have to be connected with blogging; maybe in your immediate surroundings? Did you ever wish you could be like ________?
Over the next week I would like you to ponder the Cross. What does the Cross say about how much you matter to God? Come back here to share either in the comment section or write about it on your blog.
Also, if you have not read Karon’s guest blog last Monday, I would like to encourage you to read it. Karon has a marvelous message about “Fear of Change“. I will be sharing my own thoughts on change next Monday.
Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: not matter how small you think you are, you matter to Him who wonderfully created you.
My friend, you matter to me, God and I love you very much.
Hey Iris! I usually view your posts on my Google reader, but hoped on over to your “real” blog to leave a comment today… it’s so cozy and lovely! I think what you wrote can resonate with us all… what’s the point of being known if it’s not for God’s glory?!? Thanks for this post today Iris! It encouraged me 🙂 Hope you are doing well!
What a great post, I think we all go through a season like that. During that time God reminds us of what we do and why. I know I still struggle with that, but I am a work in progress. And having friends encouraging you is a blessing.
PS what a smart person that was who commented before me ;)) She must have one awesome sister.
Iris, Thanks for this reminder. I love how God has a purpose for each of us and uses us to minister and bless others to bring Him glory, each in our own ways. You’re right, we all aren’t “Beth Moore’s” or whoever and I don’t think it pleases God when we try to act like another to get some time in the limelight instead of using what He has given us. I appreciate what you wrote today.
Have a sweet week!
Love,
Bethany
Iris, this is such a beautiful, heartfelt devotion and so very needed. You seem to find the quotes in Fearless that makes me want to go back and read with new eyes.
“I matter to Him, and that is enough for me.”
I love this statement, it ministered to me today.
I’ve felt that way in a couple areas of my life. Wanting to be recognized, afraid of not measuring up. Even out here in blog world I was guilty in the beginning. Lord knows now I’m so humbled by just the few that come by and comment! The more sites I read, the more I realize I have so little to writing talent. But the Lord wants to use that little for His glory. It’s all His. 1000%.
Thanks for this challenge today.
What a beautiful blog and message:) I am visiting, sent over from Marine Corps Nomads. Have a wonderful day!
Hi Iris
Was good to reflect on those questions…I nearly forgot to post about it due to busyness and distraction….but i am still following the series\” to stay fearless in 2010\”
Blessings
Bernice