According to the most recent United Nations estimates, as of February 2019, the world population was 7.7 billion. That means you are one in a billion.
7.7 billion, to be exact, and God chose to create you.
The same God who created the heavens and the earth created you. Out of the 7.7 billion people in this world, not a single person is exactly like you. Others may resemble you, but there will never ever be another you.
You are uniquely made by God.
My beautiful Tewahedo Orthodox sister, this is something the world often tries to make you forget. Social media, trends, and comparison can slowly whisper to your heart that you are not enough, that you need to look like someone else, live like someone else, or have what someone else has. But that is not the truth.
God did not create you to copy anyone.
He created you with intention, with purpose, and with love. Every detail about you, your personality, your smile, your voice, your kindness, even your quietness, was carefully formed by Him. You are not an accident. You are not overlooked. You are chosen.
In our Tewahedo Orthodox faith, we are constantly reminded that we are created in the image and likeness of God. This means your worth does not come from the world. It comes from Him. It is not based on likes, attention, or approval from others. Your value is already established in Christ.
He knows every hair on your head. He knows your inside and your outside. He knows your heart and your mind. He sees your struggles, your prayers, your tears, and your silent battles. Even when no one else understands you, God does.
No one on this earth will ever know you the way God knows you.
So do not shrink yourself to fit into the expectations of this world. Do not compare your journey to someone else’s highlight. Do not doubt your beauty, your purpose, or your calling.
Instead, draw closer to God. Spend time in prayer. Read your Bible. Speak to your spiritual father. Strengthen your relationship with Christ, because that is where your true identity is found.
When you truly understand who you are in God, you will walk differently. You will carry yourself with peace, with confidence, and with quiet strength, not because of pride, but because you know who created you.
You are one in a billion, but even more than that, you are one, uniquely and beautifully made, deeply known, and deeply loved by God.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
—Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)—
Selam Seyoum