The Father Cherishes You

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 NIV

In an article titled “Elite Runner Kara Goucher Steps Out to Support Dystonia” published Tuesday, it was reported that Kara Goucher, once considered an elite runner, has dystonia (little-known neurological disorder that causes painful and prolonged muscle contractions that result in abnormal movements and postures) which keeps her from running at the level she used to. The disease causes her to lose function in her leg and not feel the ground when she lands — devastating for any elite athlete. But despite being told by a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic that she would never run again, she’s working with another doctor in her hometown in Colorado to manage the symptoms enough to still participate in her sport — albeit recreationally at a slower pace and at shorter distances. Remarkably, Kara was able to keep her sponsorship with the shoe company Altra and said she cherishes her relationship with Altra because the company recognizes the “bigger story, that people are people. Running fast is inspiring but people are more than just results.”

And you know, Altra isn’t the only one that sees value in people regardless of what they can or can’t do, our Father in heaven does too. But so much more so! In fact, He cares and cherishes us so much in spite of our flaws and imperfections that He lavishes His love on us and calls us His children! Do you just love that or what? He holds us dear and loves us with an everlasting love. Wow right? 

So if you’re saying to yourself today, “But Melissa, you don’t know what I’ve done. How could God love me?” let me tell you this my friend… while we (get that we part? that’s everybody) were still sinners, God proved His love for us by sending His one and only Son to die for us so that our sins could be forgiven and we could spend eternity with Him. He loves you that much. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that Your love for us isn’t dependent on how we perform, how good we are, how we look, or any other thing. Your love is an everlasting love that You pour out on those who call You Father. Lord, if there’s anyone reading this today that doubts Your love, I pray that they would experience it in a way they never have before. Thank You for loving us despite our imperfections. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!