Understanding that God has called us by name brings immense comfort and purpose to our lives. In the Bible, there are powerful verses that remind us of God’s personal and loving relationship with us. Let’s explore these encouraging scriptures together and see how they can strengthen our faith and identity.
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses For February
Bible Verses about I Have Called You by Name
Isaiah 43:1
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'”
In this verse, God reassures His people of their unique identity and His intimate relationship with them. The phrase “I have called you by name” signifies a personal recognition and love from God.
Every time I read this, I am reminded of my own journey with God. There have been times when I felt invisible or overlooked, but this verse brings me comfort. It tells me that God knows me personally, by name, and that I belong to Him. There is immense security in knowing that we are not anonymous to God, but uniquely known and cherished.
John 10:3
“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
Jesus, as the good shepherd, illustrates His deep connection with His followers. He calls us by name, indicating a personal relationship rather than a communal one. This personal calling means that Jesus knows our stories, struggles, and strengths intimately.
Growing up, I struggled with the idea of being just another face in the crowd. But this verse helps me realize that Jesus sees me and knows me individually. The notion that He calls us by name provides a profound sense of worth and purpose. It’s a reminder that our identities are securely rooted in Christ, and He will guide us personally through life’s paths.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
This verse speaks of God’s foreknowledge and purpose for Jeremiah, which can extend to all of us. It emphasizes that God has a divine plan for each person even before their birth. This pre-ordained calling underscores our significance in God’s grand design.
I remember questioning my purpose in life, especially during my teenage years. This verse provided clarity, showing that God has intentional plans for each of us. It’s comforting to know that our lives are not random; God knew us and appointed us for specific purposes even before we existed. It pushes me to seek out and fulfill the calling He has placed on my life.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Being chosen by God is a significant aspect of our faith. This verse highlights that our relationship with Him is not by happenstance; He selected us for a purpose. The appointment is to bear fruit, suggesting productivity and impact in our spiritual lives.
I recall moments of doubt about my capabilities and whether I was truly called by God. This verse reassures me that the choice was His, and it’s not dependent on my prowess but on His sovereignty. It pushes me to be fruitful in my endeavors, knowing that I am walking in the calling He has for me.
Psalm 139:1-4
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”
This passage from Psalms highlights God’s intimate knowledge of our lives. It’s a beautiful exploration of how deeply God understands us—not just our actions but our thoughts and intentions as well.
I feel seen and known whenever I read these verses. It’s like having a best friend who knows every detail about you and loves you all the more for it. This level of understanding goes beyond mere observation; it’s a loving, detailed awareness of our lives. It’s both humbling and uplifting to realize that God knows me so intimately and yet still calls me by name.
Exodus 33:17
“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.'”
God’s assurance to Moses reveals the depth of their relationship. Knowing someone by name here signifies more than just awareness; it implies a personal, meaningful connection grounded in favor and love.
In my personal faith journey, this verse has been a source of encouragement, especially when I feel distant from God. It reminds me that God favors us and knows us intimately. The favor that Moses experienced is not unique to him alone; it extends to all who seek and follow God. The knowledge that God calls me by name ensures I am never forgotten or overlooked in His grand plan.
1 Corinthians 8:3
“But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
This verse underscores the mutual relationship between God and those who love Him. To love God is to enter into a relationship where we are intimately known by Him.
There is a world of difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them. This verse confirms that our love for God aligns us in such a way that He knows us deeply. It’s an ongoing relationship that requires both love and knowledge to flourish. In those moments when I feel distant or disconnected, I remember that loving God brings me into a closer, more intimate relationship with Him, one where I am fully known and loved.
2 Timothy 1:9
“Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”
This verse emphasizes that our calling is independent of our efforts but rooted in God’s grace and eternal purpose. It reflects the holiness and divine origin of our calling.
When I contemplate my life path, I often grapple with feelings of unworthiness. This verse beautifully nullifies those doubts by asserting that our calling is not based on merit but on God’s grace. It’s a holy calling, one that has existed since the beginning of time. Knowing that we are part of such a grand, timeless purpose brings both humility and a sense of profound importance to our lives.
Romans 8:28-30
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
This scripture reassures us that our lives are part of a divine plan. It speaks of a divine order from foreknowledge to glorification and emphasizes our predestination and calling in Christ.
I find immense comfort in these verses, particularly during times of turmoil or uncertainty. Understanding that God works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose gives me hope. It reassures me that even the challenging times are part of God’s bigger picture. Knowing that God has predestined, called, justified, and will ultimately glorify us fills me with purpose and hope for the future.
Genesis 32:28
“Then he said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.'”
This pivotal moment in Jacob’s life signifies a transformation and a new identity. It showcases how God calls us by a name that reflects our journey and purpose in His plan.
I find this story incredibly profound as it speaks to the transformations we go through when we encounter God. Just as Jacob became Israel, our encounters with God redefine us and align us with His purpose for our lives. God calls us by a new name, reflective of our new identity in Him. This verse inspires me to embrace my transformation journey, knowing that God’s calling comes with a new and meaningful identity.
Ephesians 1:4
“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love.”
This verse speaks of God’s eternal plan and His intentional choice of us. Being chosen “before the foundation of the world” highlights the timeless nature of our calling and God’s love for us.
The magnitude of being chosen before the world was made is staggering. This verse never fails to humble me, reminding me that God’s love and purpose for us transcend time. It’s not something earned but given out of His boundless love. It motivates me to live a holy and blameless life, as this was His original design for me long before I ever existed. It’s a calling to live up to the divine purpose He set forth.
Revelation 2:17
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
This verse from Revelation offers a glimpse into the rewards for those who remain faithful. The new name on a white stone signifies a unique, intimate reward only known to the receiver.
Imagining receiving a white stone with a new name from God feels incredibly personal and unique. It’s a powerful testament to our individual journeys and victories. This verse reminds me that God sees our struggles and triumphs and has a specific reward for each of us. It’s a beautiful promise that our faithfulness will lead to a new, divinely-ordained identity known only to us and God. It renews my strength to stay true and steadfast in my faith.
1 Samuel 3:10
“And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.'”
This poignant moment between God and Samuel marks the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic ministry. It underscores the importance of being receptive to God’s calling, which often comes personally and directly.
Samuel’s readiness to listen to God’s call reminds me of my need to be attentive to His voice. Often, I find myself caught in the noise of everyday life, missing the subtle ways God might be calling me. Samuel’s response encourages me to be more intentional about hearing and responding to God’s personal invitations in my life. It highlights the significance of being ready and willing to answer when called by name.
Isaiah 49:1
“Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.”
This verse speaks of God’s pre-birth calling and naming, emphasizing His eternal purpose. It reflects how deeply and personally He knows and calls each of us from the very beginning.
This scripture echoes the sense of preordained purpose that aligns with God’s eternal plans. It’s breathtaking to realize that even from our mother’s womb, God has called us by name. This deepens my understanding of how special and intentional our existence is in God’s grand design. It encourages me to walk confidently in the knowledge that God’s calling on my life is not an afterthought but a premeditated act of divine love and purpose.
Psalm 91:14
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name.”
This verse emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between God and those who love Him. It speaks of deliverance and protection for those who are intimately known by God’s name.
The assurance of protection and deliverance based on knowing God’s name is incredibly encouraging. It reminds me of the power that comes from an intimate relationship with God. Holding fast to Him in love brings about divine protection and deliverance. This verse reassures me that in my times of need, my close relationship with God will be my refuge and safeguard.
Galatians 1:15
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace.”
This verse from Paul highlights God’s sovereignty and grace in setting us apart and calling us from birth. It shows that our calling is grounded in divine grace rather than personal merit.
Paul’s testimony resonates deeply with me, particularly when I feel inadequate or unworthy. Knowing that my calling is an act of God’s grace rather than my efforts provides comfort and reassurance. It shifts my focus from self-dependency to relying on God’s grace. It’s a powerful reminder that my life’s purpose is intricately woven by God’s sovereign will and grace, making my existence both intentional and grace-filled.
Matthew 10:30
“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
This verse highlights the meticulous care and understanding God has for us. Knowing that He even numbers the hairs on our head signifies an unparalleled level of personal concern and knowledge.
The immense attention to detail that this verse portrays often leaves me in awe. It shows that God’s care for us is beyond our comprehension. Every small detail of our lives matters to Him. During times of stress or feeling insignificant, this verse reminds me of God’s profound concern and care for every aspect of my being. It offers a comforting assurance that we are deeply valued and known by our Creator.
John 1:48
“Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.'”
This exchange between Jesus and Nathanael captures Jesus’ profound knowledge of us even before we come to Him. It shows that He sees and knows our hearts and our circumstances intimately.
I relate to Nathanael’s surprise at being known so deeply by Jesus. This moment reassures me that Jesus sees us even when we feel unnoticed or lost. It’s incredibly comforting to know that He is aware of our deepest selves and our situations. This scripture strengthens my faith in Jesus’ omniscience and His ability to engage with us where we are. It encourages me to trust in His intimate understanding of my life.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This Psalm beautifully articulates God’s intricate design and care in creating us. It underscores our uniqueness and the divine craftsmanship involved in our making.
This passage always leaves me feeling cherished and special. Knowing that God took the time to knit me together in my mother’s womb speaks volumes about His attention to detail. I find it profoundly reassuring that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving Creator. This truth gives me confidence and a sense of worth, reminding me to praise God for His magnificent works, including the creation of each one of us.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”
This verse underscores the chosen nature of believers and the process of sanctification. It reiterates that our salvation and calling are acts of divine selection and love.
Reflecting on this verse, I am reminded of the gratitude I owe to God for His choosing and loving me. The idea of being the ‘firstfruits’ represents a special, honored place in God’s plan. It’s a humbling reminder that our salvation is not just a chance event but a deliberate act of God’s love. This verse encourages me to live a life of gratitude and commitment, knowing that I am part of God’s cherished plan for salvation and sanctification.
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
This verse offers assurance that the work God starts in us will be completed. It speaks to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes in our lives.
Whenever I feel incomplete or lacking in my spiritual journey, this verse reassures me of God’s faithfulness. It reminds me that God is continually at work in me and that He will bring His purposes to fruition. It gives me hope and perseverance, knowing that God’s good work in me is ongoing and will be perfected in His timing. It motivates me to trust the process and stay committed to the journey.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This verse highlights our identity as God’s chosen people, set apart to declare His praises. It emphasizes the transformative journey from darkness to light, guided by God’s call.
I find great inspiration in this verse. It speaks to the core of our identity and purpose as believers. Knowing that we are a chosen race and a royal priesthood fills me with a sense of sacred duty and privilege. It motivates me to live out my faith boldly and share God’s excellencies with others. The transition from darkness to marvelous light is a powerful reminder of where we once were and the glorious life we are called into.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
This verse speaks of our divine craftsmanship and the good works prepared for us. It reaffirms that our lives have been purposefully designed by God for meaningful actions and contributions.
Being described as God’s workmanship is both humbling and empowering. It reminds me that we are intricately crafted by a divine hand for specific purposes. The good works that have been prepared for us are not random; they are part of God’s intentional design.