I never really thought about the knit part of this verse, until I read Max Lucado's calendar; he spoke of it as knitted: not mass produced, but knitted. When I think of knitting I think of my grandmother knitting socks for all of us. First, she measured each child's foot so that it would be a perfect fit for that child. Colours were chosen with care, and then she knitted away, hours on end, to make ten pairs of socks for Christmas. This is the care that God took when creating each and every one of us. He chose blue eyes for some, green for others, hair in red, brown, black, blonde and every shade in between. Each creation is made with such care and attention, like each one is his masterpiece.

Knitted socks get holes in the soles, and they can be darned. Another piece of thread is woven in. God's creations don't get holes like socks, but we do become weary and need rest, the world seems to be closing in on us. Bills are mounting up, family members are sick, and that is the time that we can go to our "Knitter". He will lift us up and help us through these trials; he will darn our souls.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let all who are weary and need rest find their way to you. Let them realize that they are in need of repair, a repair that only you can give them. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, Lord. Let them feel your comfort so their sorrows will turn to joy. Be with all those in need, Lord, even the ones who don't realize they are in need. In your Son's name. Amen.

I hear people saying things like God told me to do this, or I had a vision, or I had a dream. These people have been given a specific job to do by God. I often feel like I must be a failure because I am not receiving these wonderful visits by God telling me what I can do for him. I don't ever remember having a vision. Certainly I never saw a "Burning Bush". Does this mean that God is not using me? I don't think so. Moses saw the burning bush, and delivered God's people out of Egypt at God's request. But did you ever read that God told Moses' mother to save him, in whatever way possible? No, not in so many words, but he conveyed it to her in some way. Surely if she had had a vision, or a visit by an angel, that would have been written. But was it simply that she wanted to save her child? Was this just a mother looking out for her child, or was God conveying his message to her just in her heart, save this child, and giving her the idea of how she could do it. Consider what would have happened if Moses' mother hadn't found a way to save him: God would not have been able to use Moses.

So remember that, even if you don't have visions or dreams, or even if you are not sure that you have ever heard the voice of God, he is using you where you are, for whatever his purpose for your life might be. He has predestined you to do something, but don't expect miraculous things. Just be happy to serve him, however he wants you to.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, use us for whatever purpose you have in mind. We don't need a burning bush or heavenly visit, all we need is the knowledge of you and what you would want done, and then we can serve you as we are, where we are. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I opened my newspaper one day and read an article on a mother from Newfoundland who was pleading with the father of her children to bring her four children back. As I read, I added these boys to my prayers for two other missing children. They are my nieces, and their mother has taken them. It is difficult, but the only thing I can depend on is that God is watching out for all these children, not just these six but all the rest of the children in this world who are suffering because there parents can't get along.

I remember reading an article in an old Reader's Digest about the war in Bosnia. A little boy, who was sent by his mother to deliver a package of food and warm socks to his father, ended up in the enemy's trenches. The soldiers there called over to the other side and told the man that his son was with them and that they where sending him over. The boy went across to the other side, delivered the package and then returned home. These were strangers during a war looking out for someone else's child. So how can two people, who promised to love and honour one another for as long as they live, use their children to hurt one another?

Jesus told us how important these children are to him. They are an important part of the future of this world. So if you see a mother or a father hurting, please reach out to them, help them and show them love and understanding. But most of all care for your family. Please pray for all the children of broken homes. Pray for all the parents, that they might seek God in their lives, so that they will do his will and do what is right for his children that he has blessed them with.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lift all the children of this world to you, not just the children of broken homes. As you watch over these dear little ones, please help us to be more considerate of our children, and the other children in this world. God, reach out to anyone who has taken a child from their home and motivate that person to return the child safely. Thank you Lord, that, although his children are not with him, my brother has the relief of knowing where they are now. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.