Engraved

Branches clawed at Princess Alana’s face as she ran deeper into the black woods. Sweat trickled down her neck and thorns tore the delicate skin on her feet as she raced faster, trying to outdistance the pounding of her fearful heart. She heard the voices scream again, threatening to consume her every thought: “Worthless!” “Disgrace!” “Banished!” Even Alana’s own mother had turned her back on her. Tears tracked down her already dirty cheeks as she ripped the delicately woven gold band off her head. Alana threw it as far as her exhausted arm could manage, then collapsed in a heap of her silky, mud-covered gown. Through her sorrow-swollen eyes, Alana saw an outstretched hand. She looked up to meet the gaze of a man. As she studied His eyes, she realized this was not just a mere man He was so much more. His eyes shone with such a depth of kindness and love that Alana wanted to weep—but this time with tears of joy. As she moved to place her hand in His, she saw the scars: ugly nail wounds in His wrists. But His hand, oh, His hand! Alana’s breath caught in her throat. On His outstretched hand was a word—a name—her name! “Alana” was engraved on the palm of His hand. • Savannah Coleman • If you are a child of God through faith in Christ, your name is engraved on the palm of His hands (Isaiah 49:16; John 1:12; Galatians 3:26). Your mother may forget you (Isaiah 49:15), your father may reject you (Psalm 27:10), your friends may desert you (Psalm 55:12-14), but Jesus will never forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8; Matthew 28:20). How can these truths help you feel secure even when you’re in the midst of painful situations? • The Psalms are filled with honest cries to God from suffering people. Here are just a few: Psalm 55:1-23, Psalm 56:1-11, and Psalm 94:17-19. In Christ, is there anything you can’t bring before God’s throne (Hebrews 4:14-16)? What hard things do you want to bring before God? • Unlike people who will at some point fail you, God is unfailing and trustworthy (2 Timothy 2:13). In Christ, you can live free of condemnation and shame—nothing you do can ever shake His love for you (Romans 8:38-39). To learn more about what it means to put your faith in Christ, check out our “Know Jesus” page. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Isaiah 49:8-16