Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah.
Genesis 25:1-2 (NIV)
Father God, this morning my heart is struck by the concept of being lost in the crowd. Reflecting back upon my childhood, I like everyone else, believed that I was going to be someone, make a huge difference in the world, be rich and famous – the list goes on. I believed that I would stand out in the crowd and be viewed as SOMEBODY.
As I have gotten older I must confess that I often feel lost in the mix, especially as I see others around me rise to heights I only wish I could. And with that comes feelings of inadequacy, failure, and anonymity. I mean, whoever talks about Keturah or any of her sons? They are relative nobodies to most of us who read Your Word, a footnote to the life of Abraham, a passing mention. In the text they are not even called his sons. They are called “the sons of his concubines (Genesis 25:6)!” I must admit, sometimes I really feel like that!
Yet, this morning I thank You for reminding me that I am not just an asterisk in the unfolding history of man. From the foundations of the world You planned my life, who I would be, what I would accomplish, and how You would use me. You uniquely made me; there is nobody like me. I am one of a kind. Through the work of Your Spirit You have used me to touch lives and bring love and joy into their world. No, it may not have been how I would have imagined it. But, glory to Your Name, it is better than I could have ever desired! I am Your workmanship, masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Ephesians 2:10)!
I pray that You would continue to remind me of this very real and central fact regarding my relationship with You and this world. Don’t allow me to belittle the contribution that I am make through You. Help me to see it as You do. And use me to encourage someone else who might be feeling overlooked or insignificant. I am better – no, the world is better – because they are here. Remind me to encourage them to be the very best they can be in Christ, even as I strive to do the same. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.