A CHANGE OF NAME
Today's reading: Genesis 16-19

"What's more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram (meaning exalted father); now you will be known as Abraham (father of many), for you will be the father of many nations." Genesis 17:5 NLT

I'm sure deep down in his heart, Abram thought, 'This is really funny, Lord'.

'The name I've lived with has haunted me--me, childless me, my whole life. And now you add to that name? Really, Lord?'

'What do I tell me people when they ask, So, how many children do you have, oh father of many...?'

Thinking about this turn of events in Abram's life has given me pause.

It's made me re-think my own name(s).

No, not the one typed up on my birth certificate, but the ones I am known by--or call myself.

Maybe it's time they change.

Maybe today's the day I'm no longer known by certain monikers...

Maybe for you, too.

Maybe we're no longer known by the addictions that hold us tightly.

Maybe it's time we are not called by the past choices we've made,

Maybe we're no longer known as victims, but as victors.

Maybe we're no longer known as parents of prodigals, but as parents of children whose lives are held firmly in God's hands.

Maybe our names change today from 'Faithless' to 'Faithful', from 'Sinner' to 'Saint', from 'Doubter' to 'Believer'.