Thank you for praying for my event. It was a widow’s banquet. I’ve never done this type of event before. Although I’m a widow, too, I found it challenging. I was a young widow and these folks were middle aged and older. However, God was faithful as usual. I instantly connected with group and God, through me, encouraged and inspired them to press on.
Sometimes believers have difficulty remembering their purpose in life after there has been a major life change such as the loss of a job or a spouse. Other times it’s the busyness of our day to day lives that makes it easy to forget how purposely designed we are in the eyes of our creator. 1 Peter 2: 9-10 brings our focus back to God showing us His design for our lives.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
First, that verse reminds us that we are “chosen.” You and I don’t have to fight for a place in God’s family. He chose us and gave us a position and purpose. It’s an awesome thought to know that the God of all things actively sought us because He wants an unending relationship with us. God chose us to know Him and to make Him known to others in our families, neighborhoods, work places, and churches.
Secondly, Peter tells us that we are royalty! My daughter knew this verse in her heart long before she could read it. When she and her brother were very small, I over heard her witnessing to her little brother just after she invited Jesus to be her Lord and Savior.
Peyton told her younger brother that if he loved God and asked Jesus to be His Savior, he would be a Prince because he would become the son of God who is the King of all Kings. He didn’t seem interested. So, to persuade him further, she explained that she had done that and now she was Princess Peyton, daughter of the King. But Parker didn’t respond. Frustrated at trying to save his 3 year old life, she added with her hands on her hips “Everybody in the family belongs to God but you, Parker. Dad is a Prince and Mom is a Princess. Don’t you want to be a Prince, too?” Parker finally spoke up, “I don’t want to be a Prince. I want to be the King!” While there is only one King, Peyton had it right. Those of us who are God’s children are royalty. That makes you a Princess!
As royal children of God, we also have access to the King anytime. Knowing that we have the ear of the highest authority on earth, below earth, and above it should motivate us to pray. Just think of what we could change!
We are also a holy nation. “Holy” means “set apart.” In other words, we have been marked as God’s holy children and sealed by His Spirit. Nothing can snatch us from His hand—nothing! Often, in order to separate myself, I have to remember to plug into my power source, the Holy Spirit, who enables me to be holy as God is holy in a dark and dying world. Only then, can my light truly shine!
Finally, Peter encourages us by saying we are God’s own possession. You and I are so valuable to our heavenly Father that He purchased our eternal salvation at a great cost—the life of His only Son. Anytime we wonder if God really cares about us we can hold our hurt up to the back drop of the cross and be certain of His love. Then, filled with God’s love and marvelous light, it’s our privilege to go forth and sing His praises to all we encounter along our way.
Amy Wyatt says
Thank you for the reminder that our life is by design.
Peyton at that age sounds a lot like my daughter Mary Lyndsey 🙂 I shared your story with a friend yesterday that was widowed at age 29 about 6 years ago. She just got remarried. I am sending her to your blog.
Hope you have a blessed week.
Laura says
What a beautiful story about your children! Sometimes I think, the children get that royalty thing a lot quicker than we! They really respond to that, it seems. And why not? I have been guilty of not believing my God for His assertion that I am valued. I sometimes need to come to Him with the heart of a child, climb into His lap, and let Him assure me it is true. I am a daughter of the King!
Bonita says
Love Peyton’s explanation of royalty!