Guest Blog by Stacia Cruz
Sometimes I go by a different name. That may sound crazy but it’s true! If I’m placing an order at Starbucks I give the barista my daughter’s name instead of my own. Her name is easier to write and pronounce. But I can only do this because this barista doesn’t know me.
God is all-knowing which means He knows me personally and intimately. There is nothing about me that is hidden from Him. God knows all of my thoughts, words, and actions from the past, present, and even the future.
I am reminded of the encounter Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well. We read in John 4,
Usually, women came to the well in the morning or evening when it was cool. This particular woman was drawing water by herself at noon. The shame she felt over her lifestyle choices compelled her to try and hide from others.
There are struggles we as women experience that can lead to feeling shame: being a working mom when our friends are not, money struggles, a mental health issue or an addiction. As a mom, I know well the feeling of shame when I respond to my kids in impulsive anger. Thankfully God is fully aware of who we are and accepts us anyway!
In this encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus began to show her His full knowledge of who she was. When this woman told Jesus that she didn’t have a husband He replied,
(17) You are right when you say you have no husband. (18) The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.
Although Jesus shared how much He knew about her He did not shame her. Instead, He responded with love and acceptance. Once this woman came face to face with Jesus, she was moved to share about Him with others. Later in the chapter we read,
(39) Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”
With God we are fully known, perfectly loved and completely accepted no matter what!
Nothing is hidden from Him.
The psalmist writes in Psalm 139 of how intimately God knows us,
(1) “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. (2) You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. (3) You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”
Remember today that you are fully known and loved. Take comfort in the fact that you are His precious daughter free of all shame. No matter what you’re struggling with, God is here to give you freedom.
In His love,
Stacia
About the Author
Stacia and her husband Ryan have been married for 15 years. They have 3 children: ages 12, 8, and 5.
Stacia oversees the women’s ministry events for New Hope Church. Her desire is that women grow in their relationship with God while building connection with one another.
She is passionate about God’s word and loves to challenge woman to think about who they are in Him.
Please visit the DEVOTION page to read Stacia’s devotion.
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BeLoved 