Not “Just” Anything

It’s easy to play small. In doing so, we dismiss ourselves - even if it is unintentional. Or maybe we really feel unworthy, insignificant.

I’m “just” a mom.

I “just” stay home with the kids.

I’m “just” a teacher.

I’m “just” a wife.

I “just” coach junior high.

I’m “just” (fill in the blank).

Sister, stop. You may be serving in obscurity, but you are far from “just” anything.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my should knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Psalm 139:13-16 ESV

We were created with great intentionality. We were formed with great care and attention to each detail, even the ones the world doesn’t see. God formed our inward parts. In consideration of that, we recognize that our Father is intimately acquainted with us. He knows the very depths of us, of our souls; he knows and carries our secrets. Because of this, his heart toward us is tender. When God created us, he did so in such a way that commanded honor, inspired awe, and set us apart from every other part of his creation. Literally, in the words used in the original text indicate those truths. The very fact that we exist indicates a God of miracles. That is not something we should be quick to dismiss, but so often, we are because we don’t measure up to the arbitrary standards of society when it comes to what it means to matter.

We’re easily over looked if we don’t have some sort of celebrity. We do the mundane things all around the house, at work, and in our volunteer positions, working our tails off only to be overlooked by everyone around us. Girl, stop buying into that lie. Sure, we don’t get all the glory and accolades from every person that saunters through the door. Instead we get toys scattered across the house, piles of laundry, and demands for more. Still, we are seen. Our Father saw us before the world ever thought about our existence. He lovingly crafted us and intimately knows us. He hears our cries and comforts us. He sees our rejoicing and shouts for joy with us. He carries us when our load is heavy. He’s been through it all with us, and he isn’t turning to run. No, he’s drawing us closer, deepening our intimacy. He sees you.

He knows the desires of our hearts. He placed them there, and is constantly calling them out in us because we were created on purpose for a purpose. Our days were written before we were born. He’s got it all figured out before we ever start trying. When all hope seems lost, when we don’t understand, when we can’t see the next step forward, and when we are chasing hard after those dreams, it’s no surprise to him. There’s no Plan B. We might be working to figure out Plan Z of the fourth try, but all we’re really doing is working to get on the same page. But He knows. He engraved you, your life, on the palm of his hand. His call to us is to honor him with our lives, and as we walk obediently, we will do that.

Listen, it’s not about status. It’s not about measuring up. It’s about walking in confidence knowing that we are intimately acquainted with the Creator of the Universe. We are an awe-inspiring miracle regardless of if we’re folding laundry, making breakfast, speaking on stages, or writing Bible studies. We are not “just” anything. We are his.