He Knows My Name

Psalms 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

In the summer of 2002, my co-worker registered for a sprint triathlon in Tarpon Springs, Florida. This event involved a .5 mile swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run, ALL IN ONE DAY! This event came at a very difficult time in my life where there were a lot of changes and attempting one more new activity was unsettling. However, I felt as though I should participate and began training.

On race day, I packed my goggles, running shoes, bicycle, helmet and other essential race accessories. After singing the National Anthem, I started swimming freestyle with at least a hundred other women. Within the first 5 yards, I was kicked in the head. A few strokes later, I got kicked in the chest. I thought I was going to drown. The swim was grueling and when I made it back to land, I wanted to kiss the sand.
I was delirious after the swim and couldn’t find my bike. A friend who came for support, directed me to my bike where I strapped on my helmet and got on my fat-tire bike. There was a strong headwind pushing me backward rather than propelling me forward. When the challenging bike segment was completed, I removed my helmet and began running on extremely wobbly legs. I believed that this was one HUGE mistake and I felt like a failure and was questioning every area of my life.

​During the run, I heard spectators yelling, “Go, 14901, you can do it! You’re gonna make it!” I realized that they were yelling to me!  They didn't know my name, but they were calling me by the race number that was pinned to my t-shirt.

As I was questioning whether I would make it to the finish line, I felt the Lord speaking encouragement to me through His word: “I see you: They don’t know your name, Beth, but I do. I formed you while you were in your mother’s womb; I know the number of hairs on your head. I love you and am singing over you. I have a good plan for you!”** The Lord was my running partner!
In the midst of physical and emotional exhaustion, in the midst of complaining, being dirty, sweaty and stinky, I no longer felt invisible, discouraged or defeated. God saw me and knew all that I was facing in life. He reminded me of His amazing love and I was able to sprint across that finish line!

Wherever you are, whatever you are facing, God’s love for you is perfect, unconditional and complete. We can either fix our eyes on our limitations and our circumstances OR we can fix our eyes on the Author and Perfector of our faith. When we focus on Him, He will get the glory and honor and when we cross that final finish line, He will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

         Let His Word be encouraging during challenging times:

Psalms 139:13
For you created my inmost being; you knit me
together in my mother’s womb. 

Matthew 10:30
And even the hairs on your head are all numbered. 

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing. 


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to proper you and not to harm your, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Author

Beth Calhoun