The other day I drove past what used to be a bank. I was startled to see that it was in a state of destruction. Cranes were whacking the walls, and dump trucks were taking away the debris. 

I can only assume that such actions were carefully considered, by the owner and shareholders. Perhaps the building was not up to code, or had been bought by another developer. In any case, what was once a place of business was now a big mess. 

The other day, someone told me that she had been given the unequivocal message that God is poised and watching for her to fail. He had a place for her in hell, just waiting for her to cook. As a child she went with a friend to her church. She was singled out, and shamed by the entire congregation for not being saved.

I was alarmed. I grieved for the little girl who stood alone in a crowd of head shakers. 

I thought about the bank owner, who probably built the bank with the intention that it would be successful. Only after lengthy deliberation could he or she agree to its demise. 

How much more mindful is God, who created that small child with tender care? Each of us is precious in His sight, and He would move heaven and earth to protect us. 

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139