"Israel, the Lord who created you says, "Do not be afraid—I will save you. I have called you by name—you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you." Isaiah 43:1-2
The Lord called me by name. He saved me so that I did not have to live afraid. He didn't just call me by name, he made me his child. There are something about when a parent calls a child by name. Times it may be a nickname, a term of Endearment. Times it may be a shortened or common name used by the casual conversations and when introducing a child to others. Name used by everyone. Then there's that given name that is often used to get the attention of a child, the first last and middle name. Kind of knows them all and he calls us with each depending on what we are going through in the moment.
Simon was given the name Peter by Jesus.
These are the twelve he chose: Simon (Jesus gave him the name Peter); Mark 3:16
He was called Simon by others, or Simon Peter.
"Simon, Simon! Listen! Satan has received permission to test all of you, to separate the good from the bad, as a farmer separates the wheat from the chaff. Luke 22:31
And then occasional called by a more formal name.
"Good for you, Simon son of John!" answered Jesus. "For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:17
Although I can't hear God verbally, I know that there are times that He calls me by my shortened name. I also know there are times that He calls me By an endearing name. And yes at times especially when I'm not listening He gets my attention with my full name.
God was with the Israelites when they passed through the waters as they left Egypt. He was also with them when they entered the promised land. Just as He was with them, He is with me. He did not say I won't go through troubles, just that they will not overwhelm me.
The three Hebrew children knew what it was like to go through fire. Just like God was with them and they didn't even smell like smoke when they walked out, God will be with me as I walk through the trials by fire. I have His promise, I will not be harmed.
As a parent I would do anything to protect my children. When I stop and recognize that God is my parent, I can recognize how much more I should trust Him. I try to get my children's attention by calling their name but if needed I would swim across the ocean and walk through the fire to protect them. If I as a human parent feel that way, how much more would God my Good and Perfect Heavenly Father feel. He gave His only Son for me. Why would I question Him?
Lord thank You for saving me and calling me Yours. Thank You for calling me by name in endearment and correction. I thank You for the times You have kept me from overwhelm and when You have walked with me through fire. You are a magnificent and good God. I praise You in Jesus name. Amen
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