“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” – John 17:14-16

It’s not a small thing to be wanted by God. And make no mistake about it, God wants you.

It’s pretty easy to see, actually. The fact that you’re here at all speaks volumes about God’s opinion of you. After all, if God didn’t want you on this earth, all He had to do was not create you.

But He did create you. And more than that, He called you to Himself. He offered you salvation, the chance to be at peace with Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. And in these verses you just read, we see that Jesus asked that you, and all of His followers, be kept in this world.

Do you see the immense value this places on your life? Do you sense the potential?

See, Jesus wants His followers to remain on this earth even though He knows that the road will sometimes be tough. He wants us here because we are a part of His plan to share His story of love and redemption with the world around us. You are Jesus’ mouthpiece to a world in need of Him.

So next time you’re tempted to get down on yourself, or doubt your worth, just remember: you’re a child of God, loved, valued, and chosen. And Jesus thinks you’re just the right person to impact your world in His name.