When God Whispers Your Name

1. God's Unfinished Work in You

God ain’t finished with you yet.

Divine purpose. Life often derails our dreams, leading us to settle for less than we imagined. We may feel stuck, like Moses herding sheep after his failed attempt to free Israel, or like "Hank" the executive turned janitor after a grave mistake. However, God's perspective is different; he sees potential where we see failure.

Unexpected calling. God often calls individuals who feel unqualified or past their prime, like eighty-year-old Moses from a burning bush, or "Hank" from a glowing mop bucket. These moments remind us that our past mistakes or perceived limitations do not disqualify us from God's ongoing work. He is still actively shaping us, and his good work in us will continue until Christ's return.

Spirit's guidance. The Holy Spirit actively guides us, just as an angel directed Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch. This divine leading isn't reserved for biblical figures; it's a present reality for all believers. We experience it as nudges, concerns, or urges to act, transforming ordinary interactions into miraculous opportunities for evangelism and service.

2. Embrace Joy and Authenticity in Faith

Jesus went to the wedding because he liked the people, he liked the food, and heaven forbid, he may have even wanted to swirl the bride around the dance floor a time or two.

Likable Savior. Jesus was not a solemn, holier-than-thou figure; he was a likable person who enjoyed life and fellowship, even attending parties. His presence at the wedding in Cana, his first miracle, demonstrated his willingness to engage with common life and celebrate with people. This challenges the notion that true faith requires a long face or a heavy heart.

Simple communication. Jesus communicated profound truths with brevity and clarity, using short sermons, parables, and concise commands. This approach made his message accessible and impactful, contrasting with verbose or overly complex religious discourse. His example encourages us to distill our faith into understandable and actionable principles.

Authentic living. True faith is expressed through a good heart and kind words, not necessarily through outward religious attire or performative displays. The contrast between the eccentric "prophet" and the genuinely kind "Lawrence" in the grocery store illustrates that authentic Christianity is about acting like Jesus, not just dressing or speaking like him. It's about genuine concern and warmth.

3. God's Surprising and Abundant Grace

I’ve never been surprised by God’s judgment, but I’m still stunned by his grace.

Unmerited favor. God's judgment often seems logical and deserved, but his grace consistently defies our expectations. Biblical stories, from David's forgiveness to Peter's restoration and Zacchaeus's acceptance, reveal a God who actively seeks ways to bring us home rather than keep us out. He is always ready to offer a second chance.

Boundless acceptance. God's grace is so vast that he welcomes all who seek him, regardless of their past or present imperfections. He doesn't require doctrinal perfection for family membership, suggesting that we, too, should extend similar grace to others. Our tendency to judge often limits our capacity to reflect God's boundless acceptance.

Free gift. Like the woman who received free groceries due to a stranger's winning ticket, we have received an immeasurable gift of salvation through Christ. Our debt is too high to pay, yet it has been fully covered by grace. This profound surprise transforms us into a "bride" for eternity, with a grand story of unearned favor to share.

4. The True Cost of Greed and the Power of Choice

If anything costs you your faith or your family, the price is too high.

Greed's definition. Jesus defined greed as measuring life by possessions, equating personal worth with material wealth. This philosophy leads to an insatiable desire to accumulate, often at the expense of what truly matters. A national survey revealed many would compromise core values like family, faith, or morals for significant financial gain.

Relative cost. Greed isn't solely about the amount of wealth; it's about what that wealth costs you. Even a small inheritance, like the man building a hut in a swamp, can become an idol if it distracts from God and family. If the pursuit of money compromises your faith or relationships, the price is always too high.

Divine ownership. The parable of the rich fool highlights the folly of living solely for accumulation without acknowledging God's ownership or planning for eternity. We are stewards, not owners, of our possessions. Our choices, made daily, reveal our true priorities: whether we choose love, joy, and faithfulness, or succumb to the allure of worldly gain.

5. Overcoming Past Hurts and Burdens

Yesterday you can’t alter, but your reaction to yesterday you can.

Weight of the past. We all carry a "sack of stones" – burdens of rejection, regret, and guilt from past experiences. These stones, whether deserved or not, weigh us down, draining our energy and making it difficult to move forward or treat others with kindness. This heavy load often leads to irritation, sadness, and desperation.

Revenge's futility. When mistreated, our natural inclination is revenge, but this "animalistic response" is irreverent and ultimately self-destructive. Joseph's story demonstrates that true freedom comes from choosing forgiveness over vengeance, trusting God to handle justice. Holding onto anger only creates a "tumor of bitterness" that ravages the soul.

Finding rest. Jesus invites all who are "tired and have heavy loads" to come to him for rest. This means genuinely turning to God, not just religion, and honestly confessing our "soul secrets." By giving him our sack of stones, we find relief and are freed from the burden of our past, enabling us to live a life of peace and affirmation.

6. Faith in God's Active Intervention, Not Self-Reliance

Faith is trusting what the eye can’t see.

Unseen strength. Faith means trusting in God's power even when circumstances seem dire, like Sara jumping into her father's arms from a distance. Our eyes may see faults, guilt, or graves, but faith sees a Savior, his blood, and a heavenly city. God's "big arms," demonstrated by raising Christ from the dead, assure us he can catch us.

Beyond self-help. Unlike the Wizard of Oz, who tells Dorothy she already possesses all the power she needs, God offers genuine, supernatural help from within. "Do-it-yourself Christianity" is insufficient for the "done in and worn out." God's Spirit dwells within us, providing the strength and guidance we need to navigate life's challenges and reach our true home.

Internal solutions. External fixes cannot solve internal problems. Blaming circumstances or others for our struggles is like an alarm system malfunctioning because we're inside the building. True change is an "inside job," requiring us to address unconfessed sin, unresolved conflicts, and unsurrendered worries through confession, reconciliation, and trust in God's care.

7. Reflect God's Light, Don't Seek Your Own Glory

Living off the praise of others is an erratic diet.

Reflective purpose. Like the moon's purpose is to reflect the sun's light, our purpose is to reflect God's glory, not to generate our own. Seeking self-enhancement or living for human praise leads to an "erratic diet" of fleeting fame and an internal chill, leaving us feeling cold and alone. Our true warmth and contentment come from fulfilling our intended role.

Humility in service. The moon's journey of self-discovery, changing its appearance and seeking external validation, ultimately led to futility and coldness. It only found peace and purpose when it returned to its original function of reflecting the sun. This analogy teaches us that true fulfillment comes from humble service and directing all praise to God, the ultimate source of light.

Contentment in calling. When we embrace our role as reflectors of God's light, we stop complaining, cease jealousy, and find joy in our intended purpose. This shift from self-focus to God-focus brings a deeper, more consistent satisfaction than any amount of personal glory or external validation could provide. We "beam" when we align with God's design.

8. God's Promises Endure Through Chaos

God keeps his promise.

Steadfastness amidst turmoil. The late-night news often paints a picture of global misery and impending collapse, leading to anxiety about the future. However, God's perspective, revealed through biblical history, offers profound reassurance. He remains calm and in control, even when the world seems to go wild.

Historical proof. The genealogy of Jesus, filled with flawed individuals and challenging circumstances, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. Despite generations of human blunders, God meticulously fulfilled his promise to send a Messiah through Abraham's lineage. This historical consistency proves that his plans cannot be derailed by human failure or global chaos.

Unwavering hope. Nuclear war, economic instability, or immoral leaders pose no threat to God's ultimate plan. Just as he delivered on his promise of the Messiah, he will deliver on his promise of salvation and victory over the world. This unwavering faithfulness provides a solid foundation for hope, reminding us that the "engineer has not abandoned the train."

9. Cultivate Healthy Spiritual Habits for Growth

Growth is the goal of the Christian. Maturity is mandatory.

Mandatory maturity. Just as a child's lack of growth signals a problem, a Christian's stagnation indicates a need for spiritual checkup. Growth is not optional but a mandatory goal for every believer, leading to maturity in Christ. We must actively pursue development rather than passively remaining where we "got in" to our faith.

Four essential habits. Max Lucado identifies four healthy habits crucial for spiritual growth:

• Prayer: Consistent, honest communication with God, regardless of inspiration.
• Study: Actively engaging with God's Word, rather than passively consuming "pre-chewed food."
• Giving: Tithing as a confession of God's ownership and a means to prioritize him.
• Fellowship: Meeting with other believers for mutual encouragement and support.

Consistent practice. These habits, when practiced regularly, deepen our devotion, increase our joy, and strengthen our connection to God and his community. They are not merely religious duties but vital practices that foster genuine spiritual development, preventing us from "staying too close to where we got in" and risking spiritual stagnation.

10. Earthly Dissatisfaction Points to Heavenly Hope

We are not happy here because we are not at home here.

Inherent longing. A deep, internal "whippoorwill" sings a song of eternity within us, signaling our profound dissatisfaction with earthly life. This unhappiness isn't a flaw but a divine gift, cultivating a hunger for heaven. We are "foreigners and strangers in this world," and our restlessness is a constant reminder that our true home lies elsewhere.

False contentment. Seeking ultimate happiness on Earth is a futile endeavor, akin to a fish trying to thrive on a beach. Earthly joys—new relationships, possessions, or experiences—are merely "slivers of light" or "appetizers" for the unimaginable feast of heaven. Premature satisfaction with this world is the greatest tragedy, as it distracts us from our true homeland.

Unimaginable future. Heaven is beyond our wildest imagination, a place "no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." This promise encourages us to lower our earthly expectations and embrace our longing for a perfect world free from tears, death, and fear. Our groaning for redemption is a natural and healthy response to living in a temporary "tent."

11. Our Deepest Longing is to See God

Heaven is not heaven without God.

Ultimate satisfaction. While heaven promises freedom from pain and sorrow, its true beauty and our deepest longing is to see God's face. Like Moses, who, despite intimate communion with God, yearned to "see your glory," our hearts will remain restless until they find their ultimate rest and satisfaction in him. Earthly pleasures are insufficient to fulfill this profound spiritual hunger.

Divine preparation. Seeing God's glory is an overwhelming experience that highlights human sinfulness, as Isaiah's terror demonstrated. However, God himself equips us for this encounter. He provides the "rock" of Jesus, the "cleft" of his grace, and covers us with his "pierced hand," making it possible for us to stand in his presence and ultimately see him.

New identity. Upon entering heaven, we will receive a new, unique name known only to God. This signifies a complete renewal—a new home, a new body, a new life, and a new identity perfectly suited for eternity. This personal, intimate gesture from God underscores the special, promising future awaiting each believer, urging us to persevere and be present for that moment.

Last updated: December 11, 2025