Sweet sisters, do you know how much you are loved?
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“
(Romans 5:8 NIV, emphasis added)
Did you catch that? Jesus died to save us while we were still sinners, before we even knew Him. We don’t have to get cleaned up, overcome every bad habit, or have a perfect life before God will love us. We don’t have to meet a quota or be “good enough” to receive His love. His love is a free gift. He loves us because we are His daughters, created in His image to do good things.
Sometimes I wonder how our lives would look if we really grasped this truth, if we chose to cling to His love and let it change us. Jesus longs for you to see the truth of His love and shower you with His grace. You (yes, you!), just as you are, right where you are.
The weary one with spit-up on her shoulder and stretch marks on her hips
He calls you beautiful, inside and out
The heartsick one who longs to hold a child in her arms
He calls you His beloved, the apple of His eye
The persevering one, now raising her children’s children
He will strengthen and encourage you
The lonely one trading her innocence to feel wanted
He cherishes you, His precious daughter
The anxious one who lives in fear of her tomorrows
He is your stronghold and defender
The deceived one caught in the snare of the enemy’s lies
He is the Truth that will set you free
The wounded one running hard from the memory of her abuser
He will be your refuge and protector
The devastated one learning her body is failing her too soon
He will be your rock and comforter
The grieving one who walks a path filled with sorrow
He will uphold you and set your feet on solid ground
The burdened one on her knees, interceding for those she loves
He is the attentive God who hears you
Sisters, I don’t know your circumstances, your past or the desires of your heart - but God does. You are His beloved, and He will be faithful to meet all your needs.
“…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp
how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you
may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
(Ephesians 3:17-19, NIV)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I’m so glad you’re blooming with us!
I pray you’ll find joy and community, encouragement and inspiration, common ground and shared faith here. Most of all, I pray you’ll find a deep sense of your worth in Christ, and support to cheer you on as you follow Him.
Your sister in Christ,
Jana
About Jana Driggers
Jana I love your post!! It’s funny because I wrote something similar today about how we are His beloved. Love it!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Cyndi
Thank you, Cyndi! I love that we had the same thought! I’m constantly amazed by His abundant love. Bless you, Sister!
Jana, these are words I always need to hear, again and again. Jesus is a “come as you are” kind of guy and I am so thankful for His acceptance of me regardless of the stains in my life. What a gracious God we serve. Oh how thankful I am for His abundant grace!! Thank you for these sweet words, Jana. You have blessed me once again.
You’re so right, Kris — Jesus does want us to “come as we are”. We don’t have to be perfect in the world’s eyes, don’t have to earn His favor. He just loves us!
Thank you for your sweet comment, my friend.
Oh yes! I needed to hear this too…letting your words sink in.
Such sweet words of truth. You have blessed me this morning with your reminder that I am His Beloved — right now, in my crazy busy world, where often I feel likes things are out of order and I’m not on track, I am still His.
Bless you, friend.
I love how Jesus’ love shines brightest in the crazy-busy, out of order, broken moments of our lives. He simply says “you are enough”. What a beautiful kind of love!
I know He loves you like crazy today, Rachel!
Gosh I love starting my day with the sweet words here!
Oh thank you, Lisa! I love starting my day with your happy smile on the other side of the computer screen! He thinks you’re pretty great, and so do I.
Have a blessed day!
Dear Jana,
Thank you for your inspriational post and potent reminder of God’s love for us. You touched my heart on a day when it feels broken – and that is no small feat. I cling to the words you wrote and know that times will get better.
Blessings,
Erin
Oh Erin, I understand. I have broken days, too. On days when the clouds threaten to overpower me, I let God’s Word remind me how precious I am to Him. I hope you’ll press into Him today, sweet sister. He will strengthen and sustain you, especially in your brokenness: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Thank you so much for your comment, Erin. I know it can be hard to reach out and speak up when you’re hurting. I’m praying for you today, that you’ll feel His mighty arms holding you tightly until the storm is over. He loves you so.
In Christ’s love,
Jana
Hi Jana…your post made me feel soooo loved by Him! Thanks dear sister!
Have a Blessed Sunday!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
I’m so glad, Linda! Because you are, you know? Have a wonderful day!
Jana, thanks for your uplifting words today – needed to read them!
Thank you, Lyn! It’s easy to lose sight of this truth sometimes. I hope you’ll rest in His love today, sister.
Beautiful and encouraging Jana. Thank you for leading us to truth. Blessings, Kristin
Beautiful words Jana!!
Beautiful words Jana! It’s always so good to hear how much He loves us. You’ve been a blessing to me today.
So proud of you!
Thanks for such a powerful reminder of God’s unconditional love Jana! It’s crazy how often I try to make His love conditional, yet He is always there to love me in spite of my humanity. Just as I am. Beautifully written, friend!
Sooooo beautiful!! That verse in Ephesians 3 is one that I revisit often. I’m so prone to forget how great His love is. Thank you for this reminder…water to the soul.
Love ya, friend!
I am so blessed to have visited you here today. Your post is absolutely lovely, sweet friend. Thanks for sharing – I absolutely love the verses from Ephesians. They are some of my favorites. And since I clicked over from your blog, I wanted to say I am so glad you are finding your way out of the tunnel. I know how joyous that feels.
I’m amazed that God not only loves us, he puts his love in our hearts so we can love others as well. How generous of him to invite us into that kind of love. Thank you for directing our eyes back to our great God, capable of touching each needy heart in such an intimate way!