“On a regular basis, I ask God to help me renew my mind (Romans 12:2) and help me believe what He says about me. Ask God to help you hear for yourself how He sees you. Tell God you need a reminder of who you are and who you belong to.”- Esther Fleece Allen
“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”- Romans 12:2 (NIV)
As Esther Fleece Allen moves on in Chapter 6 of Your New Name, she encourages you to pray to God about how He sees you, perhaps in the face of lies you hear. Then, after you pray, look for ways God’s speaking to you. For example, God may speak through a friend – or even a complete stranger. Certainly, God desires to speak beautiful names over you. Especially names better than the ones you perceive for yourself. And, He’ll go to great lengths to do so!
Above all, Esther urges, do one thing when you hear your new name. Write it down. Because you must take an active role in believing and living out your new name. Often, though, we get too busy. As a result, we find ourselves prone to forget the names God’s spoken over us. Hence, when you write down your new name, that helps you remember the beautiful and true things God speaks over you.
In conclusion, Esther observes, all of us have something in our lives that feels worse than death. Thus, the author asks, what one thing in your life do you believe you could not make it through? Maybe you fear unemployment or news of a betrayal. Consequently, when pain resurfaces, that triggers old coping mechanisms. In addition, that pain creates room for Satan to remind you of the old labels that deny your new God-given names.
Today’s question: Like Esther, how do you ask God to renew your mind? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the Easter Short Meditation, “Unassuming people – extraordinarily ordinary”
