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Scripture: Isaiah 43:1–7
Key Verse: “But now, thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.’” (Isaiah 43:1)
When I was in high school, I never felt like I fit in. My family life was crazy, my parents fought all the time, and my brother was always gone, wanting desperately to be out the house. So I thought I would get actively involved in school. My goal was to be at school as much as possible. I tried out for cheerleading but was not selected. I was heartbroken since I had been a cheerleader in middle school and that had given me a sense of belonging.
Still searching for a place to fin in, I applied to/for everything; student council, gymnastics, French club, drama club, soccer, debate club, chorus, and track (even though I hate running)! I was just looking for a place to fit in. Through a friend of a friend, I met Roberta Ducheck, a senior. She seemed to fit in everywhere! She was the lead in every play, cheer captain, student government president, and she could sing like an angel. She invited me to the homecoming event to support my freshmen class. I was beyond excited! After I told a few people about this invitation, I realized that she hadn’t just called me, she had called everyone whose last name began with R through Z! I wasn’t special; I was just one of many.
I struggled with feeling like a misfit until, a few years later, a Young Life leader at camp told me that the Maker of the universe knows me by name and accepts me loves me just as I am. Now that was life-changing! I didn’t have to fight to belong, I already belonged to Jesus! And when I start to feel like I don’t fit in, I remember that I belong to God.
Consider
How do you feel when people remember your name?
How does it feel to know that God knows and calls you by name?
Practice
Write down Isaiah 43:1 (above) in your journal, Bible, or hand. Read it over and over again when you feel like you don’t belong!
Chat
Lord, sometimes I struggle with believing that I belong anywhere. Help me to know I belong to you. Help me turn to you when I feel like I don’t fit in!
