FEBRUARY 6, Isaiah 43:1

“Papa, how many people are there on earth?” asked Mary one evening. “Billions, I guess. Did you talk about that in school?” replied Dad. “No,” said Mary, “but our Bible teacher talked about how God loves every person, so some of us kids were wondering how many people that would be.”

“Well, I don’t know the number, but your teacher is right - God does love each one,” replied Dad. “Since there are so many, you’d think He’d forget who’s who,” said Mary. “Take me, for example. There are millions of girls like me with the same name!”

Dad laughed. “Don’t worry, dear,” he said. “God knows you’re the only Mary in our family, and He will treasure you!”

Mom smiled and nodded as she picked up her sweater. “Let’s go buy a cake for the fellowship group meeting tonight.” At the cake shop, cakes on identical holders filled several tables. “They’re all alike!” exclaimed Mary. “Although they may look similar, the baker will know they are slightly different because he made them!” said Mom. “Are you sure?” Mary asked. “They look the same as the others to me.”

“Not to me,” said the baker as he came in, “and yes, I’m sure. I made them, and I see little differences. For one thing, I recognize them by the way the frosting is swirled.”

Dad smiled at Mary. “Remember what we were talking about at home?” he asked. “God made you, dear, and He sees you as a special person. No two people look the same to Him. The baker knows his cakes, and God knows you. There’s not a chance that He’ll mix you up with anyone else.”

Thought: Do you wonder if God knows you personally? You can be assured that He does!

Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father that You know the work of Your hands. You even know the number of hairs on my head! Knowing You care about those little details assures me You care about every part of my life, and in that thought I am fully comforted. Thank You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.