FAITH AND FAMILY When God Calls Your Name BY DONNA WHARTENBY
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ave you heard God call your name? Kathy heard His voice when He called her to honor our overseas military. Rose heard her name called to host a back-porch small group during the pandemic. God called Melanie’s name to be a pastor’s wife and mother and Candy’s name to the spiritual gift of hospitality as in Romans 12:9-13. Perhaps you’ve heard your name called in the middle of the night as you suffered in pain as God said it is time to seek your Heavenly Father for comfort and joy. Or did you hear your name called to help that older person at the grocery store? Was your name called to help care for at-risk or abandoned infants, help care for the sick, sing in the choir, be the welcoming smile to church visiting guests, lead a Bible study, start a small group, or teach children about Jesus’ love? Have you heard God call your name during your quiet prayer time, in your church seat, or when you had no other place to turn as He said, “The time is now to seek my face” as in Psalm 27:8? In Exodus 3, Moses heard his name called to lead God’s people out of slavery from Egypt. Genesis 6:9-22 is the story of Noah’s name being called to build an ark when God’s judgment was to flood the earth and destroy corruption and sin. God called Mary’s name in Luke 1:2633 to deliver the Savior of the world, the Son of the Most High God. Paul’s name was called to take the gospel message of Christ’s death and resurrection to the world. This good news message is still relevant today to share how Jesus’ sacrifice is God’s redemption and salvation plan to rescue us from our sin. These are ordinary people whose stories are told in the Bible. They were each called by God to step out of their comfort zone to accomplish the task chosen for them. (Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV) God Himself has names we can lean on when He calls. Who are we to ignore El Shaddai – The Almighty God?
Or to dismiss our Abba Father’s promptings, responding “No, not now”? Are you ready and willing when the Lord calls your name to take on the assignment according to His will? (Exodus 19:5) Are you instructing your children and grandchildren to listen for His voice (Deuteronomy 11:19) and discover His unfailing love, comfort, and hope? To rely on God’s refuge and protection as our Shepherd, His healing as Jehovah Rapha, and His provision as Jehovah Jireh? As followers of Christ, when we go home to heaven, scripture tells us God will give us a new home and a new body. It also tells us in Revelation 2:17 God will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. (NLT) Don’t ignore God’s voice calling your name. Only He knows what is in store for you when He calls. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) Be ready to respond to His call. Be alert to confirm the voice is our Lord’s when He calls your name. Be prepared to affirm to the Lord, “I am yours.” (Psalm 119:94 NLT) Then, let the Holy Spirit guide you in doing God’s will for His Kingdom. Be ready to follow God when He calls your name! Donna grew up in a Christian home and attended weekly church activities with her family. Family is especially important in her life. She married her husband, Keith, 38+ years ago and raised a nephew after his mother passed away from cancer. Donna has three grandchildren and loves to spend vacations and holidays with them. She loves teaching and facilitates women’s Bible activities. She also loves singing and traveling. Donna is enjoying her new passion for writing for Voice of Truth.
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