Jesus In the Waiting – I Am a Child of God

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.

Psalm 139:1 NIV

I stood at the window of the drivers’ license bureau, feeling confident I had all the information I needed. When my number was called, I was ready. I could finally check renewing my drivers’ license off my to do list. The lady behind the counter barely looking at me said, “License and birth certificate, please.”

I gave her the requested documents through the little slot. She looked up and, in a strong tone, said, “This won’t do,” shoving my birth certificate back to her. I replied, “that is my birth certificate. “It’s a copy. I must have the original,” she said before moving to the next person in line.

The original -- I have no idea where that is. “Please”, I pleaded. See if you can use this.” I was born in another state. I had documentation from the hospital where I was born. “Won’t work, sorry. You must get it from the courthouse in the state you were born, or you can order one.” But, I said, that is my footprint, and my tiny baby fingerprint.  As I kept pleading my case. “Sorry rules are rules,” she said.

As I gathered my things I prayed, “Lord just one more problem to work out. I cannot even prove who I am even with all this paperwork.” I checked online. It would take too long to arrive. Tears streamed down my face as I drove home. I turned up the radio – I needed to hear a worship song. I felt unknown and unseen. Then I heard the Lord say, “I know who you are – I knew you before you were born.”

Isn’t our God wonderful?  We don’t have to prove to Him who we are, He knew your name before your parents met; He knew your career path before you open the first textbook; and He knows the moment you will take your last breath.

Lord, thank you that I don’t have to prove my identity or worth to you. I am your child who you tenderly and lovingly knitted in my mother’s womb. Thank you for loving me so much that I don’t need a piece of paper to prove who I am to You.

Mitzie Avera