“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
The first time I remember reading this verse was when I was in college studying at the Newman Center where I lived. This verse was printed on a pro-life sign that hung on the wall in the study lounge. It depicted an unborn baby resting in God’s hand. It seemed to stand as a reminder to me that every life, “is not governed by chance; it is not random,” and that, “your existence (my existence) has been willed by God, blessed and given a purpose!” (Pope Benedict XVI)
I’ve always liked that: how God’s words through Jeremiah comforted me and made me feel chosen—not like an after-thought at all, but more like the precisely thought-out stroke of a brush on a masterpiece painting. Or like I can rest in God’s hands like that unborn baby in the pro-life sign.
Read more here about what respect for human life means in a broader and deeper sense.
Annie Deddens is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife. You can find out more about her here.
I would love to know the name of the piece used as the art for today’s devotion (the pope praying before Guadelupe?). Could you please share the name and artist? Thank you in advance!
Here’s the artist!
https://www.instagram.com/laughingbeebs/
Amen, Annie! I was thinking the same thing today as I read these verses. It gave me so much encouragement to know that God told us this would not be easy, but that He would be with us through it all. Praying for our endurance and hope!