In the beginning, when God created heaven and earth and everything within it, putting man in charge of everything, did you notice that none of the animals or the trees or plants or anything had a name? Only Adam had the privilege of being christened by God. It was Adam who later named all the animals and plants and everything else under the sun. 

Picture this – Adam taking a stroll with God, in the cool of the evening, looking at each animal and its characteristic features, coming up with a name that would describe it for eternity to come. A lion now is synonymous with Kingship, an elephant with strength, dove with peace. Would Adam have known that Jesus would later be called 'the Lion of Judah' (Rev5:5) and the 'True Vine', (John15:1)? Imagine this now - God calling out to us. How would that sound? Our names are more than just a distinguishing and identifying word. I believe that there is a greater purpose to it and when God calls, He quickens this characteristic feature within us.

All through the scripture, we come across many great people - those of mighty valor and zeal for the Lord, faith, courage, prophetic power, exemplary leaders and a few silent warriors. God has given them a name and sees them in light of the purpose that He planned to establish through each one of them. When God calls people and brings an awakening in their lives, He reaches out to this unique strength or a quality that has become their identity. Do we understand the responsibility we carry as people named by God?

All the Josephs, Joshuas, Esthers, Daniels, Peters are not just names that happen to be ours because our parents fancied them. I believe God had it planned that way.  And He has equipped us to live it out in our lives. Isaiah 43:1 says, But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

Our names reassure God's strength within us and His calling in our lives. For me this has been a game changer. My name is Betty - consecrated to God. What's your name?