Who You Are

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-18; Romans 8:14-17

Petra stared at the sparkling chandelier on her ceiling and blinked back tears of frustration. Nothing was going right at school this month. Everything she tried just seemed to fail—drama class, dance, swimming. Even though she was working really hard in her classes, Petra was still struggling with her grades. “God, I just want to be good at one thing! I feel so useless and worthless,” Petra whispered as she hugged her purple squishy stuffed kitty.

Her friends seemed to excel in so many things. Kaylee was great in math and science, Brooklyn was the fastest swimmer and awesome at other athletic events, Tiffany could paint the most realistic pictures. Petra sighed. Sunlight shone through the crystals hanging off her chandelier and projected tiny rainbows onto her wall. She was suddenly reminded of what rainbows symbolized in the Bible—God’s unfailing promises. She pulled her Bible off her nightstand. “Remind me who I am in you, Jesus,” she prayed.

Petra turned to one of her favorite Psalms, Psalm 139. Verse 14 was underlined in bright pink. Petra read it again and smiled. “I am wonderfully made.” Petra then turned to a well-read passage in the New Testament, Romans 8. When she read verse 16, she grabbed her yellow highlighter and underlined “we are God’s children.” The last verse in the chapter was already highlighted, and she spoke the truth out loud just to make sure she remembered. “I am loved by God and nothing can separate me from His love.”

She needed to read one more, so Petra flipped to 1 Peter 2. In verses 9 and 10, she highlighted “chosen people,” “God’s special possession,” and “you have received mercy.” Petra smiled. “Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me that I am Yours. I don’t need to be the best at everything, and that doesn’t define who I am anyway. I am Your child and loved by You, and that’s what matters most.”

Springing out of bed, Petra felt her energy and enthusiasm renewed. Grinning at her reflection in the mirror, Petra held her hairbrush like a microphone. Using her best TV show host voice, she said, “Today we welcome Petra, loved and treasured by God!” • Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Do you get discouraged over things you wish you could do better? It’s important to remember that what we do (or can’t do) does not determine who we are. If you know Jesus as your Savior, your identity is found in Him. When you start to dwell on your shortcomings, allow God to remind you that you are His. Read His Word daily to hear what God says about who you are.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people…God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Allow God to define who you are