God Has a Place for You, Too!

There have been times when I felt inadequate, yet I discovered that God has a purposeful design for me in these moments. Even when I grapple with doubt and try to convince Him otherwise, He graciously shows me that I remain a valuable part of His plan. What an amazing God! I’ve made mistakes and wrestled with feelings of lack, but He still wants to embrace and use me. While I often worry about derailing His plan or not measuring up to the expectations placed upon me, He consistently calls me into His brilliant light to fulfill His divine will.

Also, in an instant, our perception of an ideal world can shift dramatically. A serious heartbreak can transform someone’s view of love. A single heartbeat may usher in the chaos of a serious illness that disrupts lives, or a horrific automobile accident can shatter the foundations of a family, leaving a child bereaved and grappling with irreversible injuries that alter the trajectory of their future.

Consider the story of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and the grandson of King Saul. He was destined from birth to inherit a throne and bask in the glory that comes with royal lineage. However, fate dealt him a cruel hand. During a hasty flight from danger following King Saul's and Jonathan’s death, a chaotic escape turned tragic when his nurse, desperately trying to ensure his safety, stumbled and dropped him. This heart-wrenching accident resulted in permanent injuries, leaving Mephibosheth lame in both feet.

Mephibosheth’s injury had a deep and lasting impact on his life, changing his future as a royal heir. It affected his physical abilities and influenced his identity. Living with a disability made him heavily dependent on others for support, which changed the way he experienced his royal heritage.

In 2 Samuel 9:1-17:28, David inquired whether Saul, the former king, had any remaining relatives. He intended to show kindness to Saul’s family due to his friendship with Mephibosheth’s dad, Jonathan, who had died in battle. Mephibosheth, who was disabled and lived in fear, assumed that David would want to kill him. At that time, it was common for a new king to eliminate the previous royal family to remove any threats to the throne. David summoned Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, to “demonstrate God’s kindness to him.” When Mephibosheth approached David, he anticipated execution and fell to the ground in a gesture of respect. David assured him, saying, “Do not be afraid, for I will be kind to you because of your father, Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land that belonged to Saul, your grandfather; you will always eat at my table” (2 Samuel 9:7).

After that day, Mephibosheth regularly dined at the King’s table and was regarded as one of David’s children. His presence was appreciated not due to his power but because he was truly desired. He was brought back into the royal court with respect, placed on equal footing with David’s sons, provided with the necessary support, and honored for his true identity.

This biblical narrative is profoundly rich in themes of love and illustrates the depth of God's unwavering affection for humanity. Despite our shortcomings, imperfections, mistakes, disappointments, and the myriad challenges we face, we worship a God who continues to reach out to us with compassion and grace. The story of Mephibosheth serves as a powerful testament to God's unconditional love—demonstrating that His mercy transcends our circumstances.

Mephibosheth lived in a state of physical and emotional vulnerability, yet he was not rescued based on his own merits. His salvation came through his father's identity and the Lord's overwhelming grace, which David exemplified when he chose to show kindness and restore Mephibosheth to a place of honor in his court. This act of grace reveals that our worth is not defined by our actions or abilities but rather by the intrinsic love of our Heavenly Father.

In a parallel way, we, too, are saved not because of our deeds or righteousness but because of who our Father is. When we respond to the gospel and choose to accept His invitation, we are welcomed into His kingdom, embraced by a love that is both lavish and transformative. Our relationship with God is rooted in His identity as our loving Father, who desires to see us thrive and experience the fullness of life in Him.

By Sandra Jean Charite