Whether I’m
called Shirley, Mrs. Brosius, Ms. Brosius or even Miss Shirley, I feel good
when I hear that name. Well, not if someone’s yelling. But if I’m sitting in a
waiting room, it means someone knows I’m there. If I’m teaching in a classroom,
it means someone needs me. If I’m mulling in a crowd, it means someone
recognizes me and wants to talk to me.
I once narrated a
church cantata that opened with a verse that makes me feel safe, secure, and
significant: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name,
you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1, ESV).
Isaiah penned
that verse while writing about the derelict state of Israel. The people had
sinned, ignored God’s laws and experienced God’s discipline. Yet God called
them by name and called them His own.
And He also calls
us by name. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. “To me, you are very dear and I love
you” (Isaiah 43:4, CEV). God said that to Israel, and He says that to each of
us. We are precious in His sight. He invites us to walk the journey of life
with Him because He enjoys our company.
If we are in a
waiting room where we’re questioning if God really cares, He whispers, “Come to
My side so I can care for you in this situation.”
If we’re going
through rough times and God seems far away, He whispers, “I haven’t moved. Just
close your eyes and rest in My presence. I will guide you through this. Trust
me.”
If we are
searching for significance, God says, “My child, serve others and you serve Me.
I have no hands and feet on this earth but yours.”
We may not
recognize His voice. But if we have a nudge to “do something” for someone–send
a card, say a prayer, serve a blessing–He’s calling us by name.
Recently in a
room full of people wearing masks, I heard my name. I couldn’t tell who called
me until the person pulled down her mask. Then I recognized her. So we may not recognize
that God was near us until years later when we find a blessing blossomed from a
problem.
We may not feel
worthy to be called. Perhaps we’ve messed up, and we want to hide in a corner.
No matter. Jesus knows all about our messes, and still loves us and calls us by
name.
When dark clouds
hover, God calls us to trust Him. When life is full of sunshine, God calls us
to praise Him. So listen for Your name today. Does God want to teach you? To
care for you? To equip you? Whatever your need, God is there for you.
He calls us by
name. We are His. Answer His call and you’ll find He loves you and walks with
you over mountains and through deep valleys on a life-long journey of faith,
hope and love.
