“YOU SAID…”

Have you ever been required to prove that you are who you say you are? 

The other day I heard a podcast about a website that is for pastor wives only, so I registered for it.  I woke up this morning to an odd email waiting in my inbox.  This was part of the content: 

“I attempted to verify your role in ministry with the information you submitted.  You said that you and your husband serve Circleback Baptist in Sudan, Texas.  I was unable to find a website for your church or find a listing for a Pastor Baker associated with Circleback.”

Now, her email was kind, don’t get me wrong.  She must verify ministry status to make sure private things are kept confidential on their website. I completely and totally understand.  But seeing written in black and white that someone doubts our ministry threw me for a loop. 

It was funny to begin with, ironic even.  I could not verify Benny’s position with a church website because I am our media person, and I have not set one up. 

Then another emotion creeped in.  I had such a strong emotional reaction to the words “You said,” I cried.  I could not explain the tears to Benny, just that it hurt.  He is a wise, caring, and kind man and said, “Chris, so much of your identity is wrapped up in being a pastor’s wife, it hurts that someone would question that.  It would be like someone questioning the fact that I am a firefighter.”

While praying about this, God gently and lovingly reminded me who I am.  I am not just a mom, pastor’s wife, firefighter’s wife, sister, daughter, dog walker, devo writer, prayer, or Scripture sharer.  If I had none of those tomorrow, I would still have this…I AM HIS.  If I needed to be reminded of this, maybe you do, too.  So today I want to flood you with scripture of who you are.

YOU ARE:

LOVED — **Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love.  With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself.”  Jeremiah 31:3

CHOSEN – **Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.  Colossians 3:12

ACCEPTED – ** Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.  Romans 15:7

CALLED – **And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

STRONG – **I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13 

CONQUERERS — **No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Romans 8:37

FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADE – **I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  Psalm 139:14

CREATED IN HIS IMAGE – **And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4:24

BOLD & CONFIDENT – **In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.  Ephesians 3:12

THE APPLE OF HIS EYE – **Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.  Psalm 17:8

A CHILD OF GOD – **For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  Romans 8:14

In God’s Word, He says what He means and means what He says.  If you have accepted Him as your Savior, YOU ARE HIS, and nothing in this world, out of this world, or any other world can change that.

^**For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

LORD God, I thank You for showing up this morning when I needed to be reminded of who I am.  Thank You for using this ministry website to get my attention.  Please bless this ministry and their leaders and show them favor as they encourage women each day.  Thank You for allowing me the privilege of sharing with my little corner of the world.  Please allow this post to reach someone who needs to be reminded who they really are in You.  Remind me that I only have an audience of One.  Whether I am accepted at a website or into a Facebook group or even a group of women in the community does not change the fact that I AM YOURS, I AM LOVED, and I AM CALLED to be obedient and do as You ask.  May I remember this next time before getting my feelings hurt, LORD.  In Your precious name, Amen. 

— The video link I am posting is to a book we used to read to the kiddos when they were little.  It rings true in our lives as adults, too.  I was listening while finishing this, and Benny’s face brightened when he walked in and heard it, “THE WIMMICKS!!”  I have linked it before because it speaks so strongly to me.

YOU ARE SPECIAL BY MAX LUCADO (8 mins)