Courtesy: http://www.abs.gov.au
It’s census week. The Government has given us all a form to kindly complete for them so they can count us and get to know us on a purely statistical basis. I read through the census form yesterday and it is very impersonal. Yes they want to know your name, age and salary but this is all just data. It doesn’t really say much about you. They don’t know your favourite colour is forest green, that you prefer NRL to AFL and why you hate carrot cake so much. Really you’re just a number, a statistic and after 99 years, if you ticked the box, you’ll be a name as well.
To the Australian Government we may just be a number or a name but to God we are of immense value and He knows every single detail about us. From before birth He knew us, He loved us. He knows our name, our favourites, our fears, our failings and our dreams.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” Psalm 139:13-14 NLT
The Government takes a census to count us so they can make plans. In matter of months the census results will be on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website as public information for government and business to analyse and make plans for us. Plans on how many schools to build, which roads to repair, how and what to sell to us, what boxes to put us in.
God doesn’t have to read and analyse a census to make plans. He already has plans for us. Good plans, God plans. Plans that impact earth and eternity.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
As you complete the census this week you too may feel like just another number to the ABS, but remember to God you are of immense value and He loves you and wants an intimate relationship with you.
There is one question that asks where you were 5 years ago. This is an opportunity for you to reflect on where God has brought you in the last 5 years. Can you see His good plans for you in those 5 years?
What good things has God done in your life in the last 5 years? Share your answer in the comments below.
You may also like:
Gail's Angle 
Pingback: Is His “No” an Acceptable Answer? « Gail's Angle
Hi! Enjoyed your post. It was simple but relevant. I’m sure it will stay with me through the week. Thanks! I will check back. Annie
What good things has done in my life in the last five years? Well, for one thing, we met GAIL! How’s that for a GOOD THING! Actually, its a God thing, as all good things are.
If we were to list the good things God has done for us over the last five years we would need a book!
Great post, Gail.