God's Thoughts of You

Here it is Monday morning.  As I reflect on the weekend and the busy stretch of last week--I realize I forgot something very important--my niece, Rachel's birthday.  It was yesterday and the day came and went without sending her a greeting, or calling her to remind her that I love her and pray for her--that she is of value to me.

It brought to mind the fact that our Heavenly Father not only knows what day we were born--He was aware of us well before the momentous occasion.  David relates in Psalm 139 that He was not only aware of us while we were being "fashioned" in our mother's womb--but He actually began a book detailing everything about us.  This is a powerful thought.

When my niece, aforementioned, Rachel was born--her mother's labor was difficult.  In the course of her delivery, one of her arms was injured.  This resulted in no use of the appendage.  It hung limp at her side.  She was healthy and happy otherwise and developed into a bubbly, toddler.  Her parents and grandparents continued to pray about this condition and as they months passed--they saw no improvement.  It was obvious, and documented by physicians that she would have no use of the arm.

One day, after special prayer--Rachel was observed using the lifeless limb.  It was a documented miracle.  Once again, the hand of God overruled the impossible! 

Not only did I forget Rachel's birthday yesterday--I hadn't thought about this miracle in her body for a long time.  Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has a plan for us, that His thoughts are for us, for good, and not for evil.  I don't know why Rachel was healed and some people aren't.  But I do know God has a plan for each one.  He has his hand on Rachel, and He has His hand on each of us.  The difficult part is accepting that He knows what's best for us.

His love and thoughts toward us are always for good.  Our will gets in the way a lot of times, sending us through things we wouldn't have to encounter if we'd only wise up--that the one who even knows how many hairs are on our head--has a better plan than we do.  (That brings up another point--have you ever wondered why the great God of Creation takes time to number the hair on our head?)  Really, I don't think He sits in the Heavens counting them all day and night.  He just knows without counting--because He's God.

  Who we are and His plan for us is close to His heart.  "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God; how great is the sum of them.  If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:  when I awake, I am still with thee."  Psalm 139:17-18.

I still feel bad that I forgot Rachel's birthday yesterday.  But hope she realizes that someone who loves her more than anyone in her earthly family--didn't forget.  She is, and always will be very important to Him. 

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY RACHEL.  I REALLY DO LOVE YOU,

YOUR FORGETFUL AUNT SHARON