“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5 NLT

As a new believer then, reading this scripture was a revelation about my very existence. Technically, I was not even supposed to be alive and writing this today. Yet, glory to God—He had a plan.

I was conceived as the fifth child after three girls and one boy. My mother had just delivered my brother and was only twenty-three years old. Overwhelmed and exhausted, she did not want another baby so soon. Determined, she went to the hospital by herself to have me aborted.

Those days, it was not difficult to obtain an abortion. However, after examining her, the doctor informed her that the baby—me—was already almost three months old. Seeing how weak she was after delivering one child after another, the doctor advised her not to go through with the abortion, warning that it could endanger her own life. My mother, convicted and fearful, decided to carry me to full term and walked out of the hospital.

I was born a healthy baby girl, though not welcomed with excitement, because I was yet another daughter in the family. In those days, having girls was often viewed as a burden, especially a fourth one. My parents were young and struggling financially, and I could easily have been seen as an additional hardship.

Yet, by the grace of God, everything changed after I was born. My parents’ circumstances improved, their hearts were strengthened, and they were able to care for me lovingly.

Growing up, I faced constant comparisons—from appearance to behavior, from studies to speech. Those comparisons built insecurity within me and made me heavily dependent on others’ opinions and approval. During high school, I was often described as the tall, thin, dark-skinned girl. At first, it did not bother me, but eventually, those words became my identity—even within my own family.

I never excelled in anything and was rarely appreciated. Deep inside, I believed I was not good enough for anything. Then one day, my Savior, Jesus Christ, revealed the truth to me: I was not forgotten. Long before my parents even met, I was in God’s thoughts. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, I was known, chosen, and anointed.

My life began with rejection in a womb overshadowed by shame and comparison, yet God turned it all into His testimony. Through it all, I have come to realize that I am set apart for His purpose. Even as I write this, I give all glory to the Almighty, for my life is nothing short of a miracle.

The same God who revealed His thoughts about me wants you to know that you are not an accident. Before the foundations of the world were laid, you too were in His heart. Everyone has a story, but make sure the Author of your story is with you as you walk through it.

If you received a phone call from the president of your nation, reminding you that you are remembered as a citizen, wouldn’t that thrill you? Then be even more thrilled that the Creator of heaven and earth, the King of Kings, remembers your name. You are the apple of His eye, and even the very hairs on your head are numbered. If the Lord who created the universe watches over you so intimately, do you not think you are completely covered?

It is natural to worry about your life, your children, your family, or your future. Yet be encouraged—the story of your life will not end the way others desire, but according to how the Author Himself chooses to finish it.

Scripture declares that you are set apart and anointed. He will lead you with His goodness and mercy, cover you with His grace, provide from the storehouses of heaven, and satisfy you with long life. Your journey will bear His signature touch of victory, and even your resting place will glorify the Almighty God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing me before I was formed and setting me apart for Your purpose. Help me to trust Your authorship over my life and to walk in confidence that I am chosen, covered, and loved. May my story bring glory to Your name and remind others that their lives, too, are divinely purposed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.