“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” Gen.17:5 “And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.” Gen.17:15
We’ve all experienced game changers in our lives: a wedding day, the birth of a child, a job acquisition or loss, the death of a loved one, maybe a divorce – moments in time changing the landscape of our journeys.
God’s Word highlights game changing days for some key characters.
In one day Abram “exalted father” became Abraham “father of a multitude”. As for Sarai “my princess” (what loving parents to bestow such a title) she transpired into Sarah “princess”. Her future would include her as the princess of many nations.
Jacob “heel holder” known for holding onto his twin brother’s heel at birth, emerged as Israel “God prevails”. Only God could route his future – not his brother, father, uncle, or any person for that matter.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed to the Israelites, “You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married” Is.62:4. I clung to this verse after divorce. He loved me like no other ever had.
Another word for the Israelites, “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” Is. 49:16.
For those of us saved by the blood of Christ, listen to this – “In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels” Rev. 3:5. As a counselor, I love explaining to children and even adults about the great book in heaven which has our names written in it. No matter how we may blow things on the journey, our God will never erase us out of His book. He inscribes our names with a permanent marker. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing.
My journey includes game changing days because of name changing verses I’ve experienced firsthand. What you claim, well… it may empower your journey ahead!