Devotion for the day!!!

April 27, 2011
Pursued
Lynn Cowell

"But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine... Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.'" Isaiah 43:1, 4 (NIV)

Devotion:
I sit in the dark room, my heart beating wildly. "Hurry! Hurry!" my mind cries out. "You'll be too late!"

You'd think I'd never seen this movie before, but I have. In fact, I've watched it over and over. I know the hero will get there just in time. He will come to the rescue right at the last second and yell, "She goes free!" to the captain and his crew. I know he will risk his life to save hers.

It doesn't matter that I already know what will happen. The thrill of the pursuit and a heroic rescue sends my heart pounding every time.

I may be a little strange, but I know I'm not alone. Countless women curl up on their couches to watch the same chick flicks over and over, especially the ones where the hero gives everything to save the girl. Like the one rescued in movies, we want to be desired, fought for — pursued. And we are.

Someone is pursuing us but it's so much better than what happens in the movies. Our Creator and King is pursuing us. He gave up His life and paid a great price to come and rescue us.

There were times in my life where I had seen Jesus as my savior, shepherd and friend. But it wasn't until I read these verses below and realized the magnitude and depth of His love for me that I saw how valuable I am to Him.

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end — Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you."Isaiah 43:1b-4 (The Message)

He'd give up everything just for me? That's crazy! But that's the radical love that revolutionized my life.

When I learned these verses, I began to see a side of Jesus I had never seen before. He pursues me. He loves me more than anything. And He wants to be my everything.

This truth satisfied a deep longing in my heart I didn't even know I had. It was what I wanted then, and what I still need to know every day. This is the love that fills the gaps in my wanting heart and settles the question, "Am I valuable enough to be pursued?"

Yes, I am. And so are you, my friend. So are you.

Dear Lord, this part of me that wants to be pursued and rescued...You created it. You created it to be filled by Your unconditional love. Jesus, thank You that You will never grow tired of me or stop pursing me. You want me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Do you have a young woman in your life that you want to know this truth? His Revolutionary Love by Lynn Cowell empowers young women to discover God's love in a way that builds confidence, enabling them to make wise choices.

His Revolutionary Love DVD and CD

Stop by Lynn's blog today where she is giving away a "Revolutionary Love" bundle which includes: A signed copy of His Revolutionary Love, her His Revolutionary Love DVD and a t-shirt. She is also sharing her own story of how this truth transformed her life as a young woman.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Write out Psalm 45:11 on an index card, putting in your name: "The king is wild for __________." Over the next few weeks, when you feel rejected, downcast or vulnerable remind yourself of this truth — Your King is crazy for you!

Think of a time in your past when you did not feel wanted or pursued. Rewrite that story in your heart, knowing this time Jesus is there to fill that rejection and vulnerability. When this memory comes back, replace it with the truth that God is there and He would trade the whole world for you!

Reflections:
Have I ever thought of Jesus caring for me and pursuing me like this? Why or why not?

If I had known the truth that Jesus was crazy about me as a young woman, how would that have changed the course of my life?

Power Verses:
James 4:4-6, "You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that 'he's a fiercely jealous lover.' And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that 'God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.'" (The Message)