The Name Came First
Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent truth: God speaks to people based on destiny, not their current reality. He doesn’t wait for perfection before declaring purpose. He gives identity first—then begins the journey of transformation.
I think about this when I remember naming our kids. With our daughter, we knew her name months before she was born—we spoke it, prayed it, imagined who she’d be. But with our son, we waited. His name didn’t come until the day he was born. Yet in both cases, the name came before we really knew them—before their personalities were clear or their stories began to unfold. We named them not based on what we saw, but on what we believed about their future.
That’s exactly what God does with us. Look at what Paul writes about Abraham:
Romans 4:17 (MSG) "We call Abraham 'father' not because he got God’s attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn’t that what we’ve always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, 'I set you up as father of many peoples'? Abraham was first named 'father' and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing."
This is a powerful picture of how God works. He doesn’t wait for us to “arrive” before He speaks purpose over us. He sees potential before it’s visible, and He calls us by our future—not our failure.
Just like Abraham was called “father” before he ever held a child, God often names us based on His plan, not our present. Let’s look at a few examples of people in the Bible who were called something before they became it.
1. Gideon – “Mighty Warrior”
Judges 6:12 “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Reality: Gideon was hiding in fear, feeling weak and insignificant.
Destiny: God called him mighty before he ever lifted a sword.
2. Peter – “The Rock”
John 1:42 “You will be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
Reality: Simon was impulsive and unsure.
Destiny: Jesus renamed him “rock,” declaring his future strength and leadership in the Church.
3. David – Future King
1 Samuel 16:13 “Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers…”
Reality: A forgotten shepherd boy.
Destiny: Anointed as king years before he wore a crown.
4. Mary – “Highly Favored”
Luke 1:28 “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Reality: A young, unknown girl from Nazareth.
Destiny: Chosen to carry the Savior of the world.
5. Jeremiah – Prophet to the Nations
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Reality: A young man who felt unqualified and afraid.
Destiny: Already known, called, and appointed by God.
6. Jesus – “My Son, Whom I Love”
Matthew 3:17 “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Reality: Jesus hadn’t begun His public ministry—no miracles, no teachings, no cross.
Destiny: The Father declared love, approval, and identity simply because Jesus belonged to Him.
This is the ultimate example: Identity comes before activity. If Jesus didn’t have to do something to be someone, neither do we.
Maybe you feel like you’re not there yet. Maybe you’re still battling fear, insecurity, or uncertainty. But take heart—God’s words over your life aren’t based on where you are, but on where He’s taking you. If He’s called you chosen, you are—even if you don’t feel like it yet. If He’s called you a leader, a light, a difference-maker—believe Him. He sees what you can’t.
Like Abraham, dare to trust God to do what only He can do. Hold on to the name He’s given you, even if it hasn’t come to pass yet. Because when God speaks, it’s not just a description—it’s a declaration.
Believe what He’s spoken. Live like it’s true. And watch Him make it happen.
Reflective Questions:
What has God spoken over your life that you’ve been hesitant to believe?
Are you defining yourself by your current circumstances—or by God’s promises?
Which of these examples spoke to you the most—and why?
What step of faith can you take this week to align with the identity God has given you?
Take a moment to pray and ask God to remind you of His words over your life—and to give you the courage to walk in them.
