Life is often far from what we envision, and for many, it can feel as though the cards were stacked against them from birth. Circumstances beyond their control can lead to deep feelings of abandonment, neglect, and hopelessness. But there is a message of hope, a divine promise of restoration and renewal for those who feel forsaken. This message can be found in the powerful words of Ezekiel 16:4-6, which remind us that no matter how difficult our beginnings, we are not forgotten. God sees, hears, and ultimately calls us to live.
The Pain of Neglect
When we think about neglect, we often envision a child left to fend for themselves, their basic needs unmet, both physically and emotionally. This type of abandonment leaves deep scars that may not always be visible to the eye, but they are carried in the heart and mind of the one affected. Many people today can relate to this feeling, whether it is the result of literal abandonment by parents or caregivers or the emotional distance they experienced from those who were supposed to protect and care for them.
Neglect is not just about being left alone physically; it’s also about being left alone emotionally, without the nurturing, care, and love necessary for growth and development. Children who are neglected often grow up feeling unworthy, unloved, and unwanted. This can manifest in adulthood as low self-esteem, trust issues, and a constant search for validation. But the good news, as found in scripture, is that God sees every tear, every cry, every moment of despair—and He does not turn away.
Ezekiel 16: A Story of Abandonment and Divine Intervention
In Ezekiel 16, we find a vivid description of abandonment and divine intervention. The passage speaks to a child left unattended at birth, the umbilical cord uncut, unwashed, and thrown into an open field—an image of complete neglect. The child represents Israel but also serves as a symbol for anyone who has ever felt forsaken and abandoned.
"As for your nativity, on the day you were born, your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed in water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt nor wrapped in swaddling cloths" (Ezekiel 16:4). This imagery powerfully conveys the sense of being unwanted, unprepared for life, and cast aside. There was no one there to care, no one there to nurture, and no one there to ensure the child’s survival.
Yet, in verse 6, there is a divine turning point: "And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’" These words bring life where there was only death. God Himself intervenes, speaking life into a situation that seemed beyond hope.
God Sees You
The most comforting part of this passage is the knowledge that God sees us. He sees us in our struggles, in our pain, and in our most vulnerable moments. It can be easy to feel invisible in a world that often overlooks those who are hurting. Whether it's the pain of childhood neglect or the struggles of adulthood, feeling unseen can compound the emotional burden.
But God’s message is clear: He sees you. He knows your story, every part of it—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And He cares deeply. God doesn’t just see us and leave us where we are. Like the child in Ezekiel, He calls us to live, to rise above our circumstances, and to step into the fullness of life that He has for us.
The Power of God’s Intervention
In many ways, the child in Ezekiel represents all of us at one point or another in our lives. We have all faced moments where we felt abandoned, unloved, or hopeless. But God’s intervention changes everything. He doesn’t just leave us in our brokenness; He steps in and offers restoration.
When God calls us to live, He isn’t simply talking about physical life. He is calling us to a full, abundant life—a life where we are healed, whole, and walking in the purpose He has set before us. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This is the kind of life God is offering when He tells us to live.
No matter what your past looks like, no matter what pain you have endured, God’s call to live is a call to move forward, to embrace healing, and to step into a new chapter of your life.
From Neglect to Nurture
One of the most beautiful promises in scripture is that God will be a father to the fatherless. In Psalm 68:5, we read, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling." This promise is echoed in Psalm 27:10: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me."
If you have experienced neglect, whether from a parent, a caregiver, or even from life itself, know that God is ready to take you in. He is ready to be the parent, the caregiver, and the protector that you may not have had. He promises to nurture, heal, and restore everything that was lost or stolen.
God’s care is not passive. He actively steps into our lives, bringing comfort, healing, and protection. He washes us clean, cuts the cord of our past, and wraps us in His love and protection—just as the child in Ezekiel was finally cared for after being abandoned.
A Call to Live
The call to live is not just a command to survive—it is an invitation to thrive. God is not content with us simply getting by, weighed down by the pain of our past. He wants us to live fully, to experience His joy, peace, and purpose.
When we feel like life has abandoned us, when the weight of the world feels too heavy to bear, God’s voice breaks through the noise and speaks life into our souls: "Live."
This call requires a response. God doesn’t force His love or healing on us; He offers it freely. But we must choose to accept it. We must choose to live. That may mean letting go of the pain, the resentment, or the bitterness that has held us captive for so long. It may mean seeking help, praying for healing, or simply taking a step of faith towards the life God has for us.
Finding Healing and Restoration
The process of healing from neglect or abandonment is not always easy, but it is possible with God’s help. His call to live is accompanied by His promise to walk with us through every step of the journey.
If you have been struggling with feelings of abandonment, neglect, or hopelessness, know that God’s heart is for your healing. He doesn’t just see your pain; He wants to heal it. He is the great physician, capable of mending the deepest wounds of the heart.
In Isaiah 61:1, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." This is the heart of God—He wants to bind up your broken heart, to free you from the captivity of your past, and to bring light into the darkest places of your life.
Conclusion: Embrace the Call to Live
The call to live is a call to embrace the fullness of life that God has for you. It’s a call to let go of the past, to step into healing, and to trust that God has a plan and a purpose for your life. No matter what your past looks like, no matter how abandoned or neglected you may feel, God sees you, He knows you, and He loves you.
Today, hear His voice saying to you, "Live." Choose life, choose healing, and choose to trust the One who will never leave you nor forsake you. God is ready to take you in, to nurture you, and to lead you into a future filled with hope and purpose. The choice is yours—will you live?
