“I hope this isn’t a prank,” Jacob thought, waiting in the park by the daisies, just like the unusual parchment in his hand instructed. “It would be typical of me to fall for it.”
Glancing around, he expected someone to jump out and shout, “Gotcha!†But there wasn’t anyone about. Wanting to turn back home, he took a deep breath before calling, “I’m here.†No one replied. Without warning, the sky turned black until he was catapulted through time and space. He found himself in a cave, and echoes reverberated around him. “I’m no good. Why am I useless? I can’t do this. Why can’t I be like everyone else?†He pushed his fingers in his ears. The grating insults, churning inside of him, were familiar. With each word, the bitter smell of sulfur spread through the air. “How can I? I’m too dense to understand this. God, why did you make me this way?â€
Burying his nose in his sweater, gagging at the stench that was worsening as each vitriolic comment pierced the air, Jacob could not escape from the sound of his own voice from the past. “Am I in hell?†he cried, shaking, tears pouring down his face. “Please stop this. Oh, Jesus, God, help me.â€
The words quieted down and then stopped. Bitterness evaporated, and a radiant light transformed the darkness. Out of nowhere a voice called to him, “I created you. These poisonous words about you—they’re not true. Listen to my voice instead. I do not condemn you.â€
“Please help me,†Jacob pleaded. The cave became warmer. Rainbows filled the air. “I love you. I made you on purpose. You are precious to me—so precious that my Son, Jesus, took your place on the cross to save you and give you eternal life. I have silenced every accusation against you. You are an important part of my kingdom.â€
Mesmerized, Jacob witnessed God’s words fill the room with dazzling rainbows, showering him with blessings, until finally the cave disappeared and he was staring at the daisies in front of him. Peace soothed him. In his hand he still gripped the paper, but the message had changed: “You are loved.” • Cindy Lee
• Have you ever believed lies about yourself like the ones in this story? You can take some time with God, asking Him where those lies came from and remembering what He says about you.
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)
Read Verses:
Isa.43.7|Rom.11.36|Isa.6.3
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