God Knows Who You Are (Part Two)

By Guest Author Marcia Washburn

God knows who you are. He knows where you live. And He knows what you need. In Part One, Marcia shared some poignant examples of these truths. She continues below in Part Two.

A traveling evangelist by the name of Ken Gaub, tells a story from his book God’s Got Your Number [1] that happened many years ago. While driving down I-75 south of Dayton, Ohio, Ken and his family pulled in for pizza. He was exhausted from ministering to everyone else, wondering if God even knew where he was. He sent his family into the restaurant and went for a walk, hoping to unwind a bit.

After buying a Coke, he started back toward their bus. A pay phone was ringing in a phone booth at a service station as he walked by (this was long before we all carried cell phones). He figured he’d tell the caller that he obviously had a wrong number so he answered the phone. The operator said, “long distance call for Ken Gaub.” Astonished, he hardly knew what to say. He even considered that he might be on the Candid Camera TV show. 

When the operator connected the caller, she was weeping. Through her tears, she told Ken that she had just been writing a suicide note, but she began praying and telling God she really didn’t want to die. She had seen Ken on a TV show and thought if she could talk to him, he might be able to help her. Not knowing how to contact him, she just wrote down the numbers that came to her mind. She decided to take a chance that the numbers would connect her with his office in Washington state. But, of course, he wasn’t in his office; he was at a phone booth in Ohio.

Realizing that only God could have arranged for her to reach him, Ken counseled her and led her to the Lord, suggesting a local pastor she could follow up with. As he walked back to the bus, he realized again how, in His amazing way, God had met the needs of both of them — the suicidal woman’s need for salvation and hope and his own need to know that God knew where he was.

A musical homeschool mother with several children gave birth to a disabled child who needed constant nursing care. Exhausted from months spent caring for her child, she asked the Lord, “Will I ever be able to use my music again?” Meanwhile, the director of the statewide homeschool choir became too ill to conduct their concert. The accompanist knew both women and invited the weary mother to substitute. God knew the needs of both women, one for a replacement, and one to realize that during this time of sacrifice for her child, He hadn’t forgotten her desire to again make music with others. 

Joseph was just another slave in Egypt, but God knew where to find him. Moses was just another Hebrew baby, but God knew his name and raised him from a basket in the bulrushes to lead the Exodus. Mary and Joseph were just another young couple in a crowded town, but God met their need for shelter. 

To a government census-taker you are only a number. To your phone company you are only a number. But God knows your name. Like the Good Shepherd that He is, He calls you by name. You’re not just another sheep in the flock.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.[2] God knows who you are. He knows where you live. He knows what you need. And He cares. 

[1] God’s Got Your Number by Ken Gaub (New Leaf Press, 1994)

[2] I Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)