"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” - Matthew 13:45-46 (NKJV)
After Wednesday night, I didn't feel valuable. I didn't feel beautiful. I felt rejected, tossed aside, and unimportant. I struggled with tears and a heaviness that was hovering over me. On Saturday, I visited with a friend. As she asked me questions, I opened up and the tears began to fall. I expressed my disappointment and feelings of worthlessness. She let me know that when she had prayed for me the day before, God put in heart an overwhelming love for me and she received the word pearl. She said, she was not sure of the meaning of that.
My heart was comforted, and I was reminded of about 5 years ago, when I read a book by Dannah Gresh. While reading her book, I received the revelation that to Jesus, I was the pearl of great price. My value was so extraordinary that a Man would give, and did give all He had to have me. After several failed relationships with men who valued television, golf, video games, and their careers above me this was something that was difficult to wrap my mind around, and is even to this day.
When I noticed that the heaviness like a cloud, was still not clearing I decided to fast, and seek the Lord. I felt a slight victory over my emotions on Monday as I dug in God's Word and worshiped Him for all He has done and redeemed in my life. But I still needed something more. I continued on Tuesday to seek Him and worship.
At church, a woman I have only met a few times, asked to pray for me. As she prayed, God used her words to confirm several things about my past, present and future. She reminded me that I was set-apart for God. (Sometimes being set-apart can feel lonely.) She prayed things that only God knew. Then she said, "You are a pearl of great price." Tears of sadness and gladness went down my face. Once again God was reminding me of my value and worth, and it felt so good.
Man does not determine our value or worth. Outward appearances, giftings, talents, marketability, popularity, intelligence, humor are not a measure of our value. Those standards do not count. It is God's standard, His measure, that determines our value. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. We are the pearl of great price! Jesus gave all He had including His life for me and for you. And He believes we were and are worth it!
...Thank You Lord, for that reminder and VALUABLE lesson!
