Designed With the End in Mind
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:4-5 (ESV)
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Antonio Stradivari and his family designed and handcrafted violins and other stringed instruments. Each Stradivari instrument is considered to be unique and of the finest quality. Their design, craftsmanship and most importantly, the sound they produce set their instruments apart from other stringed instruments crafted at that time. The Stradivari family understood the importance of the design. Every curve, edge and angle had to be precisely correct to produce high-quality sound that made a Stradivari instrument unique. They were designed with the end in mind – a unique, high-quality instrument that produces a superior sound. This has made Stradivari instruments extremely valuable. In 2011, one of their violins, the Lady Blunt violin, was sold for $15.9 million. The Messiah Stradivari is said to be valued at $20 million.
Just as the Stradivari instruments are uniquely designed, so are we. Our DNA, fingerprints, and character are unique to us. And what is even more fascinating is that our Grand Designer knows every detail of our being. Every attribute of our body, soul and spirit was known to Him even before we were born (Ephesians 1:4).
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:15
He Watches Over Us
He chose us to be who we are, even before we were intricately woven in our mothers' wombs. God was, in His love and care for us, actively present when we were being formed. He was there watching over us in the womb. And He is watching over us now.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
The Stradivarius family desired to design instruments that produce a unique sound. This was the end they had in mind. God desires us to produce our unique sound in this world. For our unique sound to emanate from us and resound in this world, we need to discover what the purposes are that He has ordained for us. Just as the Stradivari instruments are meant to produce different pieces of music, our lives have different seasons. Each season will have its God-ordained purpose. Each season will resonate with a sound that says we are His unique masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), a sound that says we are valuable. That says we have worth.
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Reflection:
Are you doubting whether God has a purpose for you in the different seasons of your life? Ask Him to reveal the sound He wants you to produce in each season.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it’s not always easy for me to see that You have uniquely designed me for Your purpose. Reveal to me, Lord, what my purpose is for this season of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
