(I have been offline with my writing for a couple of weeks. I have a couple of new projects I am working on so I am trying to get back in my writing routine. Thank you for reading and faithfully following!)

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 (NIV)

Standing at the cash register swiping his card again, the same message was repeated by the cashier, “It says declined. Insufficient funds.” The man continued to try the card over and over not understanding why his purchase wouldn’t go through. Time and again, declined.

Imagine the feeling as the line grew longer with impatient people. All shaking their heads and checking their watches. Maybe you know this feeling very well. I do. This happened to me recently with a gift card … yes, a gift card. Apparently, the gift card number was compromised and had been depleted leaving me at the register under the spotlight of shame, not wanting people in the store to think I had no money or that I was trying to get by without paying. As bad as that felt it was only a gift card, and I easily switched payment methods; however, I still had that feeling. Worthless. Whether it was me or the card, the message is the same – declined … insufficient.

There are many people we pass each day that play this message in their head over and over again – as if they were swiping that card for electronic payment. Maybe they are really at rock bottom experiencing insufficient funds or maybe they feel worthless because of how someone has treated them. Maybe they feel like they will never amount to anything. Maybe you feel this way today.

If so, I am here to remind you of God’s love and your true worth.

You will never be “declined” by God. He accepts you and me just as we are. Always remember, you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

Even more than that, you are never “insufficient.” In Philippians 4:15, we are reminded we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens …” us. The Bible spells it out. “[God’s] grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

So no matter what the balance is (or isn’t) in your bank account and no matter how other people make you feel, “… you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,God’s special possession …” (1 Peter 2:9).

That is priceless!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10