We are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
A few weeks ago, I was reading in Genesis 32 about Jacob wrestling God. It’s an amazing story about Jacob, a liar, deceiver, thief, (truly a messed-up guy!) taking on God in a wrestling match.
Jacob spent a good bit of his life carrying the weight of his messed up, sin filled, identity. He even moved away from his family because his sin filled decisions had caused too much pain to live close to his brother.
When I was reading about Jacob wrestling God, I started to imagine how amazing it must have been for Jacob when he finally realized that God would defeat him, and he surrendered to God’s will. After God won the wrestling match, we are told that God spoke these words: “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome” (Genesis 32:28).
Like Jacob, my name used to be guilty, liar, manipulator, prideful, selfish, and more. I also had a season of life where I wrestled with God, and I’m happy to say He won. Like Jacob, God also spoke to me, it wasn’t an audible voice, but I knew in my heart that God has said, "Nick, I have given you a new name. You will now be called Forgiven and Beloved Child of God."
When we finally stop wrestling with God, when the struggle is over, we will be ready to hear Him whisper to each of us, "I love you. I have given you a new name and a new identity. Come closer and I will tell you what you will now be called."
What is your new name?
Peace,
Nick
A few weeks ago, I was reading in Genesis 32 about Jacob wrestling God. It’s an amazing story about Jacob, a liar, deceiver, thief, (truly a messed-up guy!) taking on God in a wrestling match.
Jacob spent a good bit of his life carrying the weight of his messed up, sin filled, identity. He even moved away from his family because his sin filled decisions had caused too much pain to live close to his brother.
When I was reading about Jacob wrestling God, I started to imagine how amazing it must have been for Jacob when he finally realized that God would defeat him, and he surrendered to God’s will. After God won the wrestling match, we are told that God spoke these words: “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome” (Genesis 32:28).
Like Jacob, my name used to be guilty, liar, manipulator, prideful, selfish, and more. I also had a season of life where I wrestled with God, and I’m happy to say He won. Like Jacob, God also spoke to me, it wasn’t an audible voice, but I knew in my heart that God has said, "Nick, I have given you a new name. You will now be called Forgiven and Beloved Child of God."
When we finally stop wrestling with God, when the struggle is over, we will be ready to hear Him whisper to each of us, "I love you. I have given you a new name and a new identity. Come closer and I will tell you what you will now be called."
What is your new name?
Peace,
Nick