Now, this is what the Lord says, the one who created you, O Jacob, and formed you, O Israel: “Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you. I call you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
God knows each one of us by name! He has created us, formed us, and even fashioned our hearts individually. The psalmist exclaimed, “He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works” (Psalm 33:15, NKJV).
Each of us is unique and special, created for a specific purpose. Our priority must be to discover what we have individually been designed for, so we can accomplish God’s purpose for us. Then we can be busy doing the works he has prepared for us. “For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them” (Ephesians 2:10).
When we are pursuing God’s purpose for our lives, we can live the abundant life. We must listen for the voice of the Shepherd: “The one who guards the door opens it for him. And the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3, NCV). By delving into the Word of God, we listen for what he has to say to us individually. His Spirit will prompt us and lead us in into the works he wants us to do.
Most comforting is the thought of his return for us. Jesus clearly said, “There are many dwelling placesin my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make readya place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me,so that where I am you may be too” (John 14:2–3).
When he returns, each one of us needs to be busy doing the work we were designed to do for his kingdom. As we deepen our relationship with him, we will have a greater sense of what that work is supposed to be. Strengthen your relationship with your heavenly Father who knows your name!
Today, ask yourself: Do I truly believe that God created me, formed me, fashioned my heart, and knows my name? In what ways does my life reflect that I have a relationship with my heavenly Father?
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