You should know that you are loved beyond measure. You are special and unique and have been created with an awesome destiny. Your life has been lovingly planned and you were created on purpose. Where ever you look and no matter how hard you search, you will never find another you, because you are your creator's original "master piece".
Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
As much as this is the truth how is it however that sometimes we actually feel the complete opposite? Why do we often feel so discouraged, depressed and as if the whole world is against us? Have you ever wondered "what is the point," or had to pick yourself up off the ground yet again because rejection has become your constant companion? I have lost count how many times I have thought to myself… “I just can't do this any more.” Eventually I got to a place in my life when I literally came to the end of myself. I realised then that it was going to take someone greater, stronger, and better equipped to get me out of this mess that my life had become.
I want to encourage you today to make a life changing decision. Refuse to allow your circumstances or handicaps to stop you from getting what God has for you. Whatever does not kill you makes you stronger, better, and a person of true character. Greatness indeed has its price.
Luke chapter 19 verse 2- 6
And there was a man called Zaccaeus, a chief tax collector, and he was rich.
And he was trying to see Jesus, which one he was, but he could not on account of the crowd, because he was small in stature.
So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see him, for he was about to pass that way.
And when Jesus reached the place, he looked up and said to him, Zaccaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.
So he hurried and came down, and received and welcomed him joyfully.
Zaccaeus was a man who knew all about having to overcome his circumstances. He obviously realised that this was his day, and a once in a life time opportunity. He did not have time to sit there feeling sorry for himself because it was a now or never situation. He became proactive in doing all he could, to get himself into a position where he was able to get the help he needed from Jesus. He recognised that Jesus was the only one who could help him, make the difference and change his life. The fact that he was so little was a big problem, but thank God he could climb trees!
Luke chapter 5 verse 18-20
And behold some men were bringing on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed, and they tried to carry him in and lay him before Jesus.
But finding no way in to bring him in because of the
Crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him with his stretcher through the tiles into the midst, in front of Jesus.
And when he saw their confidence in him, springing from faith, he said, Man your sins are forgiven you!
Verse 25
And instantly the man stood up before them and picked up what he had been lying on, and went away to his house, recognising and praising and thanking God.
These men were driven by the determination to find a way even when there was no way. They were not about to allow a major inconvenience to intimidate them. They were on a mission and "no" was not an option in their minds!
Matthew chapter 15 verse 22-28
And behold a woman who was a Canaanite from that district came out and, with a (loud, troublesomely urgent) cry, begged, have mercy on me, o Lord, son of David! My daughter is miserably and distressingly and cruelly possessed by a demon!
But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and implored him saying; send her away, for she is crying out after us.
He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
But she came and kneeling, worshipped him and kept praying, Lord help me!
And he answered, it is not right, (proper, becoming or fair,) to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.
She said yes Lord, yet even the little pups eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.
