="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> Are you happy with the name your parent/s chose for you? I imagine that most of us are satisfied with the name we’re stuck with. You may be proud of the fact that your father named you after an illustrious grandparent, saint or famous artist. You may have been given a carefully sought out name representing an attribute such as courage, character, friend of God, steadfastness, etc.

My childhood name was a shortened version of one of my Christian names. I never felt it suited me and disliked it. Out of curiosity I just researched it for this article, only to discover that it has no meaning whatsoever!

I registered as Ann when I entered High School. I chose it by impulse. I didn’t pre-think it, had never considered it before; it just came out! It was similar to the other one but I felt it had character.

It was some time before I discovered that names had meanings, and Ann means grace. I was happy; it sounded good, even though no dictionary could quite define it in a way I could understand. Many years later when I came to know the Lord I finally understood that grace is God’s unmerited favor purchased for me on the cross. Now every time my name is called I am reminded of what Jesus has done for me!

Over the centuries in many cultures a person’s name denoted what he did for a living or a character trait. You know how Abraham got his name changed. Can you imagine how every time he was called: “father of many nations,” his faith was stirred up? It kept on confirming the prophecy God had given him until it came to pass! 

Then there was Jacob, who wrestled with an angel of the Lord. How do you suppose he must have felt when he told Him his name was: “inheritance stealer, trickster deceiver?” But, because he had persevered, God gave him a new name: “Prince; because now he had power with God and men.” (Gen. 32: 28) 

I love the story of Gideon. Although he was the least in his family and very fearful, in hiding from the Midianites, an angel called him: “mighty man of valor.” God does not look on the actual circumstances. He named Gideon because He knew his heart. God knew that Gideon’s faith would be buoyed up this new name and he would obey His instructions to bring about the victory for Israel over the Midianites. (Judges 6 – 8) 

Therefore, it is not about what name you were born with or gave yourself, but by what name does the Lord call you? Does He call you Blessed, Redeemed, Healed, Testimony to My Name, Intercessor, Encourager, Faithful, Full of Faith, Full of Grace or Beloved? 

Listen carefully and develop that intimate relationship which the God of the universe craves to have with you. He has given you a new name that you may, like Gideon, be incredulous about. He is calling you softly, always urging you on to victory, and: 

“will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name… I have surnamed thee…I am the Lord and there is none else. (Isa. 45: 3 – 6)