Called By Name

We have over 50 chickens and they all have names.  Some of the similar ones do have group names and collectively their name is "chick's".  When I call them they excitedly come running to see what goodies I have for them.

We have several horses and they definitely know their names. When I call them, they come to me.   Or if I call them by name from a distance they will whinny at me. 

My dogs of course know their names.  Many times when I call them they come running to me wagging their tales with joy.  But sometimes they don’t come when I call them, they run the other way and do what they want.  

One of our dogs is particularly bad about this.  She likes to do her own thing.  She is not real obedient, especially for me.  She is a big love but definitely has a mind of her own.  She specifically likes to sneak out of her yard and “run away” for a bit.  She always comes back but she likes to go exploring in the neighborhood.  I try to keep a close watch on her but she is really sneaky.   Sometimes when we are outside together and she sees people or animals walking by she will go out to greet them. Even if I call her name she will continue to run out to the road to greet the passers. 

One day she did not listen again and refused to stay in her yard.  Consequently, the dog she went out to greet was not appreciative of her greeting and attacked her.  The other dog owner got her dog to let go of my dog but it could have been a fatal attack.  My dog Kessa has suffered with her injuries for the past couple of weeks and is slowly healing but will undoubtedly be left with scars.  

God tells us in Isaiah 43:1 … I have called you by name, you are mine.

 God calls you specifically by name to Him every day.  Will you come running to Him to see what He has in store for you today?  Or will you run the other way and do your own thing?