A little while ago, I was walking in the mall alone when a security guard stopped me.

“Are you alone?” the woman asked.

“Yes, why?” I replied, confused.

“Well, minors need to be accompanied by an adult,” she told me. It took a moment for my brain to figure out what was going on. Being that I’m over 40, being mistaken for a minor was the last thing I expected.

“I’m not a minor,” I said.

She looked at me incredulously and asked for my identification. I felt like someone was playing a joke on me as I reached into my handbag and pulled out my driver’s license. When the security guard saw my birthdate, she sheepishly apologized and said, “Have a nice day, ma’am.”

I was glad I hadn’t forgotten my license that day. Having my identification kept me from being kicked out of the mall! The way others perceive you influences the way they treat you and can often either close or open doors for you.

Aren’t you glad that, in the Kingdom of God, the perception of man is not the be-all and end-all of everything? This is the fundamental and powerful lesson we learn from Nehemiah 7. In this chapter, we see Jews returning home from Babylonian exile after the walls and gates of Jerusalem had been rebuilt. While this should have been a joyful time of resting, resettling, and readjusting, there was a problem.

Some people’s records had been lost. There was no proof that they were who they were. Yikes! Some priests’ records were lost, too. Nehemiah 7:64 explains, “These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.”

How frustrating and devastating that must have been!

But all was not lost—at least not for the priests. Here’s why. According to verse 65, instructions were given to the priests with no records, credentials, or verifications. They were to go to a verified priest that was ministering with the Urim and Thummim.

This is so significant because the Urim and Thummim were located in the breastplates of priestly garments according to Exodus 28:30. This is how priests consulted with God and found out what His will was. When these sacred men communed with the Lord through the Urim and Thummim, He would speak and reveal the true identities of the ones who were anonymous to man.

Isn’t that awesome?

Friend, this lets us know that, even though people may not acknowledge you or know who you are, God knows you by name. He is aware of everything about you. You are special to Him, and He has good things in store for your life.

Back in Nehemiah’s day, although some folks’ records had been wiped out on earth, Heaven’s records were intact. Those who were genuine servants of the Lord were known by the Father, and God Himself would confirm that they belonged to Him.

We see a great example of this in the life of Jesus. Remember when He went to be baptized by John the Baptist? Right there, on the spot, according to Matthew 3:17, God spoke from Heaven and confirmed Jesus’ identity by saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

The same God who spoke back then still speaks today, and He will speak on your behalf. You don’t have to open doors for yourself. You don’t have to try to get people to see or notice you. God has you covered. He will speak for you.

Don’t stress yourself out over getting acknowledgment, because when God acknowledges you, He sees to it that you get everything you need to fulfill your destiny. Just stay faithful to the Lord. At the appointed time, He will announce you.

I believe, for someone reading, there are some awesome things on the way. God is about to openly put His hand on you. All will know you are favored and blessed. Some things are coming down the pike that will turn your life around. No longer will you be shunned, anonymous and pushed aside.

Heaven has already decreed and declared some things about you. God has already spoken some things into existence for you. And you're going to get all of it. What He said has to show up. Just you wait and see. Despite any obstacles, setbacks and negative situations you may be dealing with today, He has not overlooked nor forgotten you. God has pronounced blessings over your life. His goodness follows you. His plan cannot be undone.

The next time Satan tries to deceive you and make you feel invisible, remember Psalm 139:5 NLT, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration. It says, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, rejoice in knowing that God’s hand of blessing is over you. What He has prepared for you, no man, no circumstances, no problem and no setback can stop it from coming to pass.

And He will speak for you, and confirm that you are His.

Now let’s pray.

God, thank You for reminding me that You see me and know me. Every worry, care and concern I have, I give it to You. In times when I feel alone, overlooked and forsaken, remind me of Your promises. I believe every single one of them spoken over my life will come to pass! I glorify and praise You now for what You have done, are doing and will do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.