What Does God Call You? July 19 Sunday Service

Isaiah 43:1 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine." Have you ever been defined by a label someone placed on you? Maybe it was something spoken in anger. Maybe it was an opinion formed without knowing your story. Perhaps you've been called a failure, too emotional, not smart enough, too old, too young, unqualified, or damaged. Sometimes the labels that hurt the most aren't even spoken by others; they're the ones we repeat to ourselves. The world is quick to label people. It often reduces an entire life to one mistake, one season, or one weakness. But God never intended for your identity to be determined by someone else's opinion. Isaiah 43:1 reminds us of an incredible truth: God calls us by name, not by our failures. He says, "You are Mine." Throughout Scripture, we see people who were labeled by others but defined by God. Joseph was labeled "the dreamer," then a slave, then a prisoner. Yet God saw a leader who would save nations. Gideon saw himself as weak and insignificant, but God called him a "mighty man of valor." The woman with the issue of blood had been known for twelve years as "unclean," but Jesus called her "Daughter" and restored both her identity and her dignity. Even David was overlooked because of his appearance, yet God saw the heart of a king. People often see your history, but God sees your destiny. People focus on your appearance, while God looks at your heart. People may label your weaknesses, but God speaks to your potential. One of the enemy's greatest tactics is convincing us to answer to names God never gave us. If he can get us to believe we are forever defined by our past, he can keep us from walking into God's future. But the cross settled the question of your worth. Jesus did not die for labels; He died for you. If God was willing to give His Son for you, then your value has already been established. You don't have to earn your worth, prove your importance, or seek approval from people. Your identity is secure because it rests in Christ. Today, choose to silence every voice that contradicts God's Word. Stop answering to names heaven never gave you. Instead, answer to what God declares: • You are redeemed. • You are chosen. • You are forgiven. • You are loved. • You are accepted. • You are a new creation. • You belong to Him. When God's voice becomes the loudest voice in your life, every false label begins to lose its power. Pastor Julio