You Still Matter to God
A few years ago I watched a man wander into the back of a church during a Christmas service. He didn’t sing. He didn’t bow his head. When it came time to pray, he stood with his arms crossed, looking like he was ready to leave the second it was polite to do so. Afterward I caught him at the door and asked what brought him in. He shrugged and said, “Honestly, I don’t even believe this stuff. My wife dragged me here.” Then he paused and added something I’ve never forgotten: “But part of me wonders why I keep showing up anyway.”
That “part of me” is the point of this whole message. Because whether you believe or not, something keeps tugging. And I don’t think that’s an accident.
Scripture
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NIV)
How I Understand This Scripture
Notice the timing in that verse. Paul doesn’t say Christ waited for us to clean up, figure things out, or start believing. He says the love came first — while we were still turned the other way, still doubting, still living however we were living. That’s how I read it: God’s move toward us was never a reward for getting it right. It came before any of that, with no conditions attached. You don’t have to believe in someone for them to love you. And you being unconvinced right now doesn’t cancel the fact that He already made His decision about you.
My Reflection
If you don’t believe, I’m not here to argue you into a corner. I just want you to hear one thing: you matter to God right now, exactly as you are, in the middle of whatever you’re doing. Not the future version of you who might get religious someday. You. Today.
That restlessness you feel — the part of you that “keeps showing up anyway,” that wonders in quiet moments if there’s more — I believe that’s Him calling. Not shouting, not shaming. Calling. Gently, patiently, the way you’d call to someone you love who’s standing just out of reach. He’s not waiting for you to become worthy first. He’s already reaching. The only question is whether you’ll turn around and notice.
You don’t have to have it figured out today. You just have to be honest that the tug is real.
A Prayer
God, for the person reading this who isn’t sure You’re even there — meet them right where they are. Thank You that Your love came first, before belief, before anything. Would You make Your call unmistakable to them, not as pressure but as peace. Let them know they matter to You. Amen.
Read more and join us at www.christaff.net — come be part of the conversation.
Leave a Reply