People told Benny he could be anything he wanted. He wanted to be Superman. So he climbed up on the picnic table, jumped off ready to soar and, well, it was a hard landing with a mouth full of dirt.
No matter how much education or encouragement Benny would receive in the decades ahead, he would not be Superman. His dad knew that.
So when Benny limped into his house with skinned knees and elbows, and dashed hopes, his dad said, “Benny, I’m sorry that you’re not really Superman, but I’m really excited about something.”
Benny’s tear-filled eyes looked up hopefully.
“You’re someone even better.”
Benny smiled.
We get confused about our identity just like Benny. When you get to heaven, God isn’t going to ask you why you weren’t Moses or Mary or Superman or Wonder Woman. But he might ask you why you weren’t you.
Who are you? Cut from cheerleading tryouts? Rejected? Failure? Too short, too many freckles, too chunky. Don’t feel pretty or popular? Unwanted and unloveable? Can’t get things done. No. Those aren’t you.
You’re someone better.
God made you, saved you, gave you spiritual new life, and he defines your identity.“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are” (1 John 3:1).
You won’t get confused about your identity if you let God define who you are, and not everyone else. Not your feelings. Not your scores. Not your mistakes. Not your big sister. Not your boss.
They can say a lot of valid and true things about you (along with some untrue things), but they cannot change your identity or take it away.
You are a child of God. He loves you unconditionally forever. He calls you his own. He forgives you and cares for you. He will never leave or forsake you.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I listen too much to the wrong voices who don’t speak truth. I believe their lies, and confess that it has made me doubt your love. I’m sorry. I know you forgive me, your own perfect child. Please help me remember who I am. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: “I am a perfect and forgiven child of God.” Say that. Say it again out loud. Memorize it and say it later today 5 times, 10 times. Tell it to someone and explain why it’s important. Remember it forever. Pray to your Father and ask him to help you.