Have you ever felt like a number?

I was in an accident; my car was in the middle of a four-car pile-up.  I went home and within a few hours, my complete right arm went numb and I had a burning sensation in my back.  So, I let my 15-year-old daughter drive me to urgent care.  As I walked in the door, they ask me to sign in and handed me a 4×4 square paper with the number on it.  She said she would call my number when they are ready for me.  I was that number the rest of the night.

Over the next few weeks I sat in quite a few doctors’ offices, my experiences were not much different. Four different diagnoses so far, seven different prescriptions in less than a month not to mention, X-Ray, CT scan, Physical Therapy, shock treatment, MRI, and EMG test. I’m not worried because I know God is in control.

However, these last few weeks have really made me think. I have felt like a number.  I am sure at one time or another you have felt like that too.  Standing in a line and hearing the words “Next,” they may take your money and the clerk might not even make eye contact.  Maybe, it is where you work or the church you go to, you show up and no one even takes the time to find out your name.  It could be that your family might make you feel invisible.

This whole process has made me grateful that I have Jesus in my life.  You are never alone with God in your life. Job tells us, “Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?” (Job 31:4) He sees everything you do and every step you take. Jesus tells us,   “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”(Matthew 10:30-35) God watches every breath you take. He knows every detail.

Jesus said of a good shepherd, “The sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name and leadeth them out.” Then he told the disciples, “I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine,” (John 10:3).

My Jesus knows my name. I am not a number, not a symbol, not just lost in the crowd. I belong to God and He knows my name. Amen!