When You Hear Your Name

“And let us not get tired of doing what is right for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” Galatians 6:9

A preschool student was caught making a bad choice in the classroom. The thing is — this wasn’t the first time. Same mistake. Same reaction. When she heard her teacher say her name, she ran from the teacher. No matter what the teacher said as she tried her best to get her student’s attention, the more the little girl became upset and perhaps embarrassed. She finally ducked underneath a desk with hopes that she wouldn’t be seen. What she hasn’t learned yet is that running away and hiding doesn’t make something go away; it was only delaying the inevitable.

As silly or childish as that may seem to an adult, we have to ask — are we any different? It’s pretty humbling when we hear our Father’s voice call out our name as He reveals our sin. Although He may not yell it out from across the room, it’s pretty clear when He’s trying to get our attention through scripture, a sermon, or through a life experience.

Listen, no one likes to get caught doing something wrong. However, the sooner we stop running or hiding from God — from the truth — the sooner we are able to finally face the truth that we are sinning and that we need to change.

If you’re feeling as though God is out there — like….far away, perhaps it’s because you are the one who is running away. If you have something in your life that would make you cringe if it was revealed to others (like addiction, jealousy, lying, or stealing) then you need to just stop now…. and listen to the voice of truth. Why? Because He loves you and He knows what’s best for your life. Trust Him. 

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23