EVEN MORE His Grace is Sufficient...But Decaf is Not

It's been TRISH PERRY Week here on my blog, which means that Wednesday is devo day. I've chosen one of my absolute favorites of Trish's from the new book so that you can see (like I do) what a gift she is. Enjoy!

Little Old Me

“The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.”
Deuteronomy 7:7

Fame is a funny thing. Despite the obvious annoyance of paparazzi, a publicist’s dream is an increase in media exposure for her clients. One of the points of achieving fame is to appeal to the crowd mentality: If everyone’s rushing to experience this [person, band, actor, film], there must be something special there! Of course we can all come up with at least one example of that crowd mentality showing itself wrong. Milli Vanilli comes to mind. Sir Mix-a-Lot. Jersey Shore. The Real Housewives of Anywhere.

But we do tend to put value in numbers that way.

So today’s verse points out yet another way God sees things differently than the world does. “Powerful” people or big numbers have never impressed Him. After all, when He first set apart the Israelites as His chosen people, Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac were the only members of that particular in-crowd. And, although the Israelites slowly grew in number, many other ethnic groups were far larger and more powerful.

The point of today’s verse, historically, was to bolster the spirits of the Israelites before they faced a mass of larger foes—the Hittites, Amorites, and a lot of other “ites.” In essence, God told them, Don’t worry about the size of your enemy. I’m going to be there for you today—not because you’re big and powerful but because you’re mine. I chose you because I love you—that’s why I redeemed you from slavery.

I see much to embrace about this verse today as well. God extended that “chosen” status to “a thousand generations of those who love him and keep His commands.” A thousand generations. Now there’s a big number worth considering, because it eventually included us. Jesus came to earth with our redemption from slavery in His heart. Not because we’re big shots or numerous in number, but because He loves us. Every single one of us, on an individual basis.

I tend to go through life with rather healthy confidence and optimism, but on my worst days I might feel very small. I might doubt my real value to anyone. Maybe no one remembered my birthday. Or my favorite book idea got rejected. Or someone posted a particularly negative book review online. Or some smart-mouthed kid called me an old lady. Plenty of people might question their value for more serious reasons. An unfaithful spouse. An abusive parent. Negligent or estranged kids. Chronic illness. Financial hardship.

It’s easy enough to recognize God’s love when everything is going our way. When appreciative friends and family surround us. When we’re successful, maybe even achieving a modicum of fame. When our health is good and our accounts are in order. But God didn’t set His affection on us and choose us for any of those reasons.

He did choose us though. And He does love us. Regardless of what the crowd might say.

Today's Prayer: Abba Father, I would be nothing without Your unfailing love. Thank You that You chose me. Please help me to remember Your love, to lean on Your grace, especially when I feel small and unimportant in the world. I love You. Amen. --Trish