CHANGING NAMES

Today's reading: Ruth

"Don't call me Naomi, she told them. Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why should you call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has send such tragedy?" Ruth 1:20-21 NLT

There are many instances in the Bible where God changes the names of His people. Abram to Abraham. Jacob to Israel. Saul to Paul.

But in this instance, in these very verses, Naomi decided to change her name herself.

We do it sometimes, too.

We change our names.

We accept the label assigned to us due to our circumstances, our mistakes, our sins--or worst yet, the opinions of others.

We do that, God doesn't!

You see, had Naomi consulted God on the issue, had she taken the time to speak to Him about it? Well, there is a good chance He would have suggested she keep her monogrammed belongings because her future wouldn't seem so empty when He was done working His ways in it!