Just as You Are (25-Pack)

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF?

Have you thought that you might be happier if you had different colored eyes, or if you were a different height or weight? Perhaps you've wished that you had perfect eyesight, that you did not have diabetes, or that you could walk without the aid of crutches or a wheelchair.

But did you know that you were created, just the way you are, by God? The Bible says that every person--including you--is "wonderfully made." God "formed" you and "intricately" created you (Psalm 139:13-15). It also says that each of us is like clay, and God is the potter (Isaiah 64:8). Have you ever seen a potter work with clay? It can sometimes take hours of work, with the potter paying very close attention to each detail. Every inch of the clay is carefully formed, not a single part is missed, until the potter creates a masterpiece. Even though potters take great care in their clay creations, God took even more care when he created you!

Did you also know that the Bible tells us that God is perfect (Matthew 5:48)? That means that he does not make mistakes! You were created by a loving and perfect God, and he made you to be completely unique--you are not like anyone else in the world! God created you, he loves you, and you are special to him... make no mistake!

Even though God is perfect, we are not. God knows everything about us. He knows the good things that we do and the bad things that we don't want anyone to know about. The Bible says that we all have done bad things (sins) and that we all deserve to be punished for doing them (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

But you and I are so special to God that he sent his very own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and take the punishment we deserve. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son [to die for our sins], that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Isn't that great news?! Jesus opened up the way for you to have a home in heaven (where one day, everything will be perfect)! But first, you must agree with God that you've sinned, and trust that Jesus forgave you when he was on the cross. Those who believe in Jesus like this become God's very own children (John 1:12). He wants you to experience his love, be part of his family and to help you every day -- it's why he created you!