God’s Masterpiece

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 2:10

It had been a long day. Jillian came home from school and without saying a word went to her room. The kids’ laughter and words kept repeating in her mind. They probably didn’t think she understood, but she knew what they were saying about her. Though she had only recently moved to the United States, she’d learned English at school in her home country. People thought she was quiet because she didn’t speak English or understand what they were saying, but they were wrong.

After a while there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Jillian said quietly.

It was her mom. “Hi, honey. Are you okay? What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing, Mom. I just had a long day at school, that’s all.”

Mom sat down on the bed where Jillian was hugging her pillow. “Fifth grade can be hard, especially when it’s in a whole new country. New people, new culture—everything is new.”

Across the room hung Jillian’s beautiful painting of the beach at sunset. Mom stood up and walked over to it. The painting was full of different shades of orange, red, yellow, blue, and even pink and purple. “What a masterpiece!” said Mom.

“Thanks, Mom. I only painted what I saw…God’s creation.”

Mom smiled at her. “For we are God’s masterpiece.” She paused, then said, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”

Jillian furrowed her eyebrows. “Yes, I know those verses, Mom, but what do they have to do with my sunset painting or me right now?”

“If you only had orange paint, would you have been able to create this beautiful sunset painting?” asked Mom.

“No, that wouldn’t make it nearly as beautiful,” said Jillian, surprised at her mom’s question.

“Jillian, that’s exactly what God did when He created us. He made us all different and unique and beautiful in our own way, but together we are an even greater masterpiece. Together we create a picture of the love Jesus has for all people. You don’t have to be the same as everyone else. Be different. Be you, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made.”

-Sara Hanna

How About You?

Have you ever felt different from everyone else around you? Have you gotten teased for being different? Do you feel like you don’t fit in? Remember that you are God’s masterpiece. God sees you and smiles because He knows just how unique you are and that you are wonderfully made. Jesus loves you so much He gave His life so you could live with Him forever. Remember that He is always with you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago, (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

You are God’s masterpiece