Chosen, Known, and Celebrated: A Birthday Invitation

The Gift of a Birthday

As I prepare to celebrate my birthday, I find myself reflecting on something simple, yet deeply profound: the importance of having a day of birth.

That day was not random.

God chose the exact moment each of us would enter the world. He marked it. He intended it. And I believe He celebrates it.

For many of us, birthdays carry different emotions. Some are filled with joy, laughter, and traditions that make us feel seen and loved. Others may feel quieter, even overlooked—just another day passing by without much notice.

But regardless of how your birthday has been remembered by others, it has always been known by God.

Remembered… or Forgotten?

As I was growing up, birthdays were important in our home. They were acknowledged, celebrated, and cherished. Looking back, I realize that may have been shaped by my parents’ own experiences.

I remember a moment from my teenage years that left a lasting impression. My grandmother once stopped by our home on my mom’s birthday and noticed flowers on the table. She casually asked, “What are the flowers for?”

When she was told they were for her daughter’s birthday, she simply shrugged and moved on—without even offering a “Happy Birthday.”

It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes.

You may find yourself somewhere in that spectrum. Perhaps you were celebrated well, like I was. Or perhaps, like my mom, your birthday passed without much acknowledgment.

But here is the truth that remains unchanged:

Your day was chosen—intentionally, specifically, and with purpose.

Known Before You Were Formed

Many of us are familiar with the words from Bible, in Book of Jeremiah 1:5:

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart.”

The Amplified version expands this even further:

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you and approved of you as My chosen instrument; and before you were born I consecrated you to Myself as My own.”

Pause there for a moment.

Before you were formed… He knew you.
Before you were born… He chose you.
Before you took your first breath… you belonged to Him.

He knew every detail—what you would look like, where you would live, who your family would be. He knew your joys and your heartbreaks. Your victories and your struggles. Your questions, your doubts, your purpose.

You were never an afterthought.

You were wanted.

The Story Your Life Is Telling

As we grow and move through life, we begin to mark time in seasons and decades.

We remember the highlights and the hardships. The moments that shaped us.

Our first encounter with God.
Our first experience with loss.
Marriage. Divorce.
The birth of children.
The joy of grandchildren—and even great-grandchildren.

Each moment becomes part of something larger.

Your story.
Your testimony.
Your legacy.

And through every chapter, one truth remains:

God has never stopped pursuing you.

He has never stopped loving you.
He has never stepped away.

He is always there—arms open, heart ready—inviting you closer.

It’s Not Too Late—It’s Just Beginning

I remember being 26 years old and feeling like my life was already over.

The expectations I had for my life hadn’t been met. I felt defeated, discouraged, and unsure of what was ahead.

But something unexpected happened later in life.

At 60—an age I once thought was “old”—I began to truly live.

There was a new sense of anticipation. A fresh excitement. A deeper walk with God. I began to step into purpose in a way I hadn’t before.

At a time when many believe life is winding down, I felt like mine was just beginning.

And now, as I watch my parents in their 80s and 90s, I see something even more beautiful: God is still pursuing them.

Still inviting.
Still drawing them near.
Still offering relationship and communion.

As long as we have breath in our lungs, He is with us.

There is no expiration date on His love—or His calling.

A Birthday Invitation

More than a decade ago, a friend gave me one of the most meaningful birthday gifts I’ve ever received.

She said, “On your birthday, ask the Lord what gift He has for you.”

I’ll be honest—I was a little skeptical.

But I asked anyway.

And He answered.

Every single year since, God has given me a personal, intentional gift.

Some years, it has been a word—clear and deeply personal.
Other years, He has used people to bless me with unexpected encouragement, gifts, or notes.
One year, He gave me something I didn’t even realize I needed: rest.

He always knows.

I don’t come to Him with a list.
I come open-handed.

And He meets me there.

Your Turn

So today, I want to extend that same invitation to you.

Whether your birthday feels celebrated or forgotten…
Whether it is filled with joy or carries a hint of disappointment…

Know this:

You are here on purpose.
You were created out of intention and desire.
God thought you into existence, formed you, and placed you exactly where you are.

And He has more for you.

More relationship.
More healing.
More purpose.
More life.

He will celebrate with you on your special day.

All you have to do is ask.