TODAY IN THE WORD
Abby Johnson joined Planned Parenthood because she believed that the organization was helping women at a critical time of need. The 29-year-old progressed to become a director of a local Texas chapter of the organization. But last year she was asked to assist in an ultra-sound and viewed first-hand an abortion. “I had never seen an abortion happen on an ultrasound,” she said. Johnson said the experience changed her forever. “I just thought, ‘What am I doing?’” she said. And then, she thought, “Never again.” At the point she saw a living, breathing, heart-beating baby alive in the womb, Johnson was convinced that abortion was something she could no longer support.

Today’s passage is an important one. Not only does it state that God knew and created us in the womb, but the chapter outlines His purpose for our lives. God says not only that He knew and created us, but also that He is eternal. “I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God (v. 6). He asks, “Who then is like me?” The answer, of course, is no one.

God is eternal and all-powerful. He is the Creator. We are His creation. That gives us a value, a worth that cannot be denied. We are purposefully made, purposefully created. He reminds us in verse 21: “Remember these things . . . I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you.”

We are made by the God who does not make mistakes. He knows us. He has promised not to forget us. This gives us reason to rejoice. Verse 23 articulates this joy: “Sing for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done this.” Verse 24 directs this joy toward the Creator, “the Lord who has made all things.”

When we look for our purpose, it is helpful to remember that God is our personal Creator. He has signed His name to our life. He designed us the way we are. And He has the power to carry us to the end of our lives (vv. 25-28).

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A work of art is more valuable when it is signed. The signature of the artist helps to protect against forgery or misidentification. As a child of the Creator of the universe, you need not live as a forgery, or think you are unworthy of the blessings of the Lord. Spend time today thanking God for His signature upon your life. If you are tempted to relegate yourself to a dustbin of uselessness, pray through the verses in today’s reading again and praise the God who made you, who loves you, and has declared your value.

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