Receiving the New Name

Receiving the New Name God has a “thing” for renaming people. Abram becomes Abraham. Sarai becomes Sarah. With each new name comes a new beginning. This is such a beautiful truth: God doesn’t just take something away—He replaces it. Jacob becomes Israel. With that new name comes a new identity AND a new direction. Here’s a profound lesson that I’ve learned: receiving a new name can feel just as hard as releasing the old one because the new name often feels too big. Too undeserved. Too good. But this is one of those parts of life that IS too good, AND it’s true!! The Bible says: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NIV) Child of God? Really? Loved? Chosen? Redeemed? Yes! But there is a problem. There’s something in me that wants to push back. To say, “That can’t be true of me.” In those moments, God doesn’t ask for my approval—He declares truth! “You are who I say you are, and just like Jacob, I declare, 'You are mine!’” So, I have a choice: reject it or receive it. This is where faith becomes personal. Will I believe what God says about me, even when it doesn’t match how I feel? That is hard work, but this is what I know: transformation happens when I stop arguing and start receiving. You are not who you were. And you are not what you’ve done. You are who God says you are. Today, don’t deflect it. Don’t downplay it. Receive it! Let’s pray together: “God, I struggle to believe the good things You say about me. They feel too big, too undeserved. But today, I choose to receive what You are speaking over my life. Help me to walk in this new identity, even when it feels unfamiliar. Amen.” Never forget, my friend— You are a miracle! Grant Fishbook