Before I Formed Thee in the Kelly I knew Thee
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV)
Have you ever wrestled with questions about your purpose or doubted your significance? God’s words to Jeremiah reveal a timeless truth that speaks to every believer. Before your first breath, before your earliest memory, God intimately knew you and designed a divine purpose for your life.
The Hebrew word for “formed” (yatsar) is the same term used to describe a potter skillfully shaping clay. Picture this: a master artisan envisions the masterpiece before even touching the clay. Similarly, God saw you, knew you, and intricately designed you with purpose. This formation is not limited to your physical being—it encompasses your personality, gifts, and calling.
Notice the sequence in Jeremiah’s calling: God knew him before forming him, sanctified him before his birth, and ordained him for a unique mission. This pattern reveals that God’s foreknowledge isn’t passive awareness—it’s an intimate, purposeful act. Your life is no accident or afterthought but the result of His deliberate creation.
The word “sanctified” means to be set apart for a holy purpose. While Jeremiah’s calling was to be a prophet to the nations, every believer is sanctified for God’s purposes. Your role may not involve prophetic ministry, but it holds equal significance in the kingdom of God.
This truth shatters lies of insignificance or worthlessness. How can you be worthless when the Creator of the universe knew you, shaped you, and set you apart? Your worth isn’t measured by accomplishments, the opinions of others, or circumstances—it’s anchored in God’s purpose and His loving design.
Meditate
Reflect on this: How does knowing that God formed you with intention change your view of your current situation? Are there areas in your life that need to align with His purpose?
Act on the Word
Today, take a moment to list the unique gifts, talents, and opportunities God has entrusted to you. Pray and ask Him how these can be used for His glory. Begin taking intentional steps toward living in alignment with your God-given purpose.
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing me before I was formed and for setting me apart with purpose. Help me to walk in the calling You have placed on my life. Show me how to use the gifts You’ve given me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Recommended
- What is Predestination?
- Destiny Changing Decisions
- Eternal Destinies: Exploring the Resurrections of Life and Damnation
- Faith is a Means and not an End
- What is a Devotional?
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing
