A Stumbler's Walk | NAME CHANGE

But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…

- Acts 13:9 

Are you willing to allow God to change your name? Maybe not literally; in our culture a name doesn't normally carry the same significance as in ancient times. But God does want to change our identity, our character.

Scripture records several instances when God changed a name. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, Saul to Paul. It seems minor, but each is significant. Of more importance is what the name-change signifies. A transforming touch of God has occurred, and the transformee has been changed.

It is as if God is saying, "You were _________, but now you are _________." For example: "Peter you were a failing fisherman, but now you are a rock, and a fisher of men. Israel, you were a contentious, conniving, deceiver, but now you are a prince of God."

So fill in your blanks…

"I was without hope, but now I have purpose."

"I was addicted, but now I am free."

"I was full of fear, but now I am an overcomer."
"I was flatlined inside, but now I have joy."
"I once was lost, but now I'm found."
"I was _______, but now I am ________."

This Saul… I mean Paul wrote, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

You may not see it. It is most likely subtle; even imperceptible. But God is working in you - making the changes he desires to complete your, "I was…, but now…" story.

Two more promises from the Apostle Paul: "…for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure," (Philippians 2:13). "…he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…," (Phillipians 1:6).

God, thank you; I was..., but now...; please continue your work in me.

For now...

D