The Value of Self-Worth Trusting God's Plan

The Value of Self-Worth and Trust in God's Plan
Devotion by Pastor Alexander Redd
October 4, 2023

Luke 15:11-32 (Parable of the Lost Son)

I will share a powerful principle that many of us may find hard to accept: recognizing our own worth and knowing when it is time to let go. It is important to remember that this is not about holding onto feelings of bitterness or resentment; rather, it's about realizing that sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is to step back and maintain a distance.

In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable of the lost son. In his impatience and desire for independence, a young man leaves his father's home and squanders his inheritance, thinking he could create a better life. As time passed, he found himself in hardship, realizing the value of what he had left behind.

Like the son in this parable, there will be people in our lives who may undervalue our worth and not recognize the love, support, and value we bring. They may choose to follow the crowd, to go along with what is popular, convenient, or easy. And that is okay.
 
Other people's recognition or validation does not determine your worth. Your worth is inherent because you are God's creation, made in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). You are precious in His sight, even if the world fails to see it.

It's important to understand that the people who can't see your worth may need to experience life without you for them to realize it, just like the lost son. And while they're on their journey, it gives you the time and space to realize that you are better off without their validation.
 
The father in the parable of the lost son never chased after his son; he let him go, knowing well that his son needed to learn this hard lesson on his own. But the father never stopped loving his son. When the son returned, acknowledging his mistake, the father welcomed him with open arms, for he was lost and now was found.

Likewise, God sees our worth even when others don't. He values us so much that He gave His only Son to redeem us (John 3:16). When people leave us, it hurts, but it also opens doors for new blessings, new growth, and a deeper understanding of our inherent worth.
Remember, you are valuable, not because of what you do, who you know, or what people say about you. You are valuable because you are a child of God. So, let them go, knowing that God's plan for you is far greater than anything you could envision.

Please pray with me:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to understand our worth in You. Grant us the grace to let go of those who can't see this worth, knowing that Your plans for us are always good. Teach us to trust in Your love and to find our value in You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.