Not Forgotten

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:14-18; Isaiah 49:14-16

“How was school?” Blake’s foster mom asked cheerfully as he shuffled in.

“Fine,” Blake answered, avoiding her gaze. He hurried to his room and shut the door before throwing himself on the bed. Blake was dreading Mother’s Day. His class was doing a project to honor mothers, and it embarrassed him. Hot shame washed over him as he recalled how some of the kids had made unkind remarks about his family.

Hearing a knock on his door, Blake sat up quickly. “Come in,” he called.

Mr. Gerald, his foster dad, entered the room. “How about a nice, fresh, chocolate cupcake?” he asked. “Mrs. G. just finished icing them.”

Blake shook his head. “I’m not hungry.”

Mr. Gerald perched on the edge of Blake’s desk. “Want to talk about what’s bothering you?”

“It’s nothing,” muttered Blake, but he couldn’t keep a tear from trickling down his cheek. He brushed his eyes angrily and burst out, “Why was I even born? Nobody wants me!”

“God thought you were special when He created you,” Mr. Gerald said quietly. “He still thinks so, and we do too.”

“My other foster family got rid of me. My own parents didn’t even want me!”

“Blake, Mrs. G. and I are glad you’re with us, and you need to know that God wants you too. He always cares about you, even when people hurt you.”

“How do you know?” Blake asked doubtfully.

“God proved it by sending His Son, Jesus, who thought you were worth dying for. We talked about that, remember?” asked Mr. Gerald. Blake nodded. “Trust in Him, Blake. He loves you and wants you to be part of His family. The Bible says God will never leave His children.” Mr. Gerald smiled at Blake. “If you want, I can show you some verses that talk about God’s love and how much He cares for you so you can read them for yourself.”

Blake nodded. “Okay,” he said.

“How about coming to the kitchen and having a cupcake while I get my Bible?” said Mr. Gerald.

Giving Mr. Gerald a tiny smile, Blake followed him to the kitchen.

-Shannon M. Huber

How About You?

Have you been hurt by someone you love? Do you think nobody cares about you? Jesus does. He made you special, and He loves you so much—even more than moms or dads ever could. Trust in Him. No matter what your family situation is like, He won’t ever leave you or forget you, and He’ll put people in your life who can show you His love and care—whether that’s a parent, stepparent, foster parent, or someone else.

Today’s Key Verse:
Isaiah 49:15 Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I [God] would not forget you! (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

God cares for you