Transparent Christian Magazine

I could not wait to see the sport page of the Augusta Herald. I was a pitcher for the Butler High School Bulldogs and had several good games. My name would appear in an article about the game, and I would glow with pride. I was even proud to see my name in the small print of the box score when not mentioned in the article.

I can go back to Augusta and no one knows me except my family. No one remembers those newspaper stories.

Our last name caused my brother some problems in elementary school. He did not like being called “Coward” and would become agitated quickly. Isn’t it amazing how sensitive we are to our name?

Jesus said he knows his sheep by name and his sheep hear his voice. I had never thought much of that until I met a shepherd. She lives in North Carolina and told me that each of her sheep had a name and they only responded to the sound of her voice. Her grandchildren were totally frustrated when the sheep ignored their calls.

Perhaps you are feeling like no one knows you, and you are “lost in the crowd” and no one cares. Perhaps you are wondering if God even knows you or cares about the difficult situation you are in. You are not alone.

The children of Israel felt that way frequently. God inspired Isaiah to give them a message. “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast or leave the babe she bore? Even if mothers forget their babes, I will never forget you-never! I have written your names on the back of my hands” Is 49:15-16 (The Message)

Christ has eliminated my guilt
His Spirit tells me I am his child
Awesome victory is mine
My mind is set on his Spirit
Power is made perfect in weakness
I have the intercession of the Holy Spirit and Jesus
Only God knows why bad things happen to good people
Nothing separates me from his love
Satan has been defeated!

Mike Cowart Sr. is an author and a teacher, a mentor and a friend. You can read more of his excellent C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S series here. Contact Mike here.