Our new names call us to a greater level of service, sacrifice, and faithfulness than our old names could handle. It will require faith to lean into our new name even before we fully see it and understand it. . . . Believe that God has a new name for you that is better than what you’re settling for.”- Esther Fleece Allen
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Esther Fleece Allen concludes Chapter 7 of Your New Name as she observes that before God births new names inside us, we first must let Him see us in all our messes. Therefore, pretending fails us as an option. Because God often renames us when we’re wounded and desperately need Him. Not when we’re at our best. So, God doesn’t expect your perfection. But, He requires your honesty and your permission to see into the depths of your soul.
Furthermore, your small dream or goal pales in comparison to the bigger, glorious name God’s prepared for you. And sometimes God names us for what we’re about to become. Just as Adam named his wife Eve (‘living’) before she bore any children.
Above all, the ultimate goal involves honoring God in every area. First and foremost, God names us His sons and daughters. Living out of this new name enables us to live fruitful lives, no matter what our calling. Esther explains:
“God’s names for us call us forward into God’s promises. . . . God sees things in you and will call them out even before you can see them for yourself. God loves you and is for you! He doesn’t rename you because He doesn’t like the old you; He renames you to make you a closer version of who He’s crafted you to be. . . . It is crucial to see God’s larger story in the process of our name change. God sees things in us and will call them out because He loves us and wants to see His story of love continue.”
Today’s question: What new name calls you to a greater level of service and sacrifice? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Isolated incidents or the whole person?”
