# Embracing Our New Names: How God Transforms Us!

## Prophetic Power of Names

Have you ever considered the significance of your name? Throughout the Bible, we see how a person's name is closely tied to God's plans for their future. Just like John the Baptist and Jesus had their names revealed before birth, God changes names to signify the beginning of a new life. Your name is more than just a label - it holds power and purpose in God's design for you.

## Satan seeks to change your destiny

In the story of Daniel, we see how Babylon sought to change the destinies of young Hebrew leaders by altering their names. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were given new names that reflected Babylonian gods, stripping away their true identities. Satan often tries to alter our destinies by changing how we see ourselves. But remember, you become what you believe about yourself - both physically and spiritually.

## In God's presence we are changed

When we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. God calls us by a new name, one that may not immediately resonate with us. Just as Abraham became the father of many nations before it came to pass, God sees us for who we are becoming, not just who we are now. It's a process of growth and renewal that happens in His presence.

## How do people respond to this?

Like Abraham and Sarah, we may initially respond with disbelief when God calls us to a new identity. It's natural to doubt our ability to fulfil His promises. But God responds with patience and reaffirms His plans for us. When we choose to believe and embrace our new names, we step into the fullness of who God created us to be.

## What mind-set is the Lord changing in your life?

God is constantly transforming us from guilt to forgiveness, from fear to trust, from emptiness to joy. He is shifting our identities from what we once were to what He has called us to become. It's a journey of faith and surrender, trusting that God's plans for us far exceed our own limitations.

As we embrace our new names and identities in Christ, we step into a future filled with purpose and fulfilment. Let go of the old labels that have defined you and embrace the new names that God has spoken over your life. It's time to align your thoughts, beliefs, and actions with the truth of who God says you are. Be open to the transformation He is bringing and watch as He fulfils His promises in your life.

## Satan seeks to change your destiny

In the story of Daniel, we are confronted with the unsettling truth that Satan seeks to alter our destinies by changing how we perceive ourselves. Just as Babylon sought to strip away the true identities of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah by giving them new names, the enemy aims to distort our self-perception and lead us astray from God's intended path. These new names reflected Babylonian gods, symbolizing a shift in allegiance and identity. It serves as a reminder that Satan will stop at nothing to derail us from our divine purpose.

Despite the enemy's attempts to deceive and manipulate, we must remember that our identity is rooted in God's truth and promises. Our names hold power and significance in the eyes of the Creator, and no scheme of Satan can change that. Just as Daniel and his companions held onto the truth of their original names, we too must cling to the identity God has bestowed upon us. Our destiny is not determined by the enemy's tactics, but by our unwavering faith in God's plan for our lives.

The battle for our identity is ongoing, but we can find strength and courage in knowing that God is on our side. He sees us for who we truly are and calls us by a name that reflects His purpose and love for us. As we resist the enemy's attempts to redefine us, we step into the fullness of our identity in Christ. It is a reminder that our true identity is found in Him alone, and no amount of deception can shake the foundation of who we are in God's eyes.

Let us stand firm in the face of adversity and hold fast to the truth of our identity in Christ. As we embrace our true names and reject the lies of the enemy, we align ourselves with God's plan for our lives. Our destiny is secure in Him, and no scheme of Satan can thwart His purposes for us. Trust in God's unfailing love and hold onto the truth of who you are in Him, for that is where true victory lies.

## In God's presence we are changed

When we stand in the presence of God, His transformative power begins to work in us. It's like looking into a mirror and seeing the reflection of His glory, slowly moulding us into His image. Through this process, we are changed from glory to glory, becoming more like Him each day.

- 2 Corinthians 3:18 beautifully illustrates this concept - as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His likeness by the Spirit. It's a gradual but profound change that occurs as we spend time in His presence, aligning our hearts with His will.

- Romans 4:17 reminds us that God calls those things that do not exist as though they do. He sees us not as we are now, but as the person He is shaping us to become. Embracing this truth allows us to step into our new names and identities with confidence, knowing that God's plans for us are good and purposeful.

## How do people respond to this?

1. As we encounter God calling us to step into a new identity, it's common to feel a sense of disbelief creeping in. Just like Abraham, who laughed in unbelief at the thought of becoming a father of many nations, we may struggle to see ourselves as capable of fulfilling God's promises. It's a natural reaction to doubt our own abilities and question how such transformation could be possible.

2. Sarah, too, had her doubts when she overheard the promise of bearing a child in her old age. She laughed within herself, unable to fathom the idea of such a miraculous occurrence. It's essential to acknowledge that our initial response to God's calling may be one of scepticism and uncertainty. We may find ourselves questioning the feasibility of His plans for our lives.

3. Yet, despite our doubts and reservations, God responds with unwavering patience and reassurance. Just as He restated His promise to Abraham and alerted him to Sarah's disbelief, God is with us every step of the way. His faithfulness and power surpass our understanding, and He reveals that nothing is too difficult for Him. In moments of uncertainty, we can find solace in His unchanging nature and His ability to bring about the impossible.

4. The key lies in our response to God's calling. Instead of succumbing to doubt and disbelief, we can choose to believe in His promises and embrace the new names He has spoken over us. Like Abraham and Sarah, who eventually believed the Lord and saw the fulfilment of His promises through the birth of Isaac, we too can step into the fullness of our identities in Christ. By resisting doubt, embracing faith, and aligning ourselves with God's truth, we can witness the transformation He is bringing about in our lives.

## What was God's response?

God's response to Abraham and Sarah's initial disbelief was one of unwavering faithfulness. **He restated His promise to Abraham, reaffirming the great destiny He had in store for him.** Despite their doubts, God remained steadfast in His plans for them, never wavering in His commitment to see His promise fulfilled. He lovingly corrected Sarah's unbelief, gently guiding them back to trusting in His power and sovereignty. Through it all, God revealed that nothing is too difficult for Him, instilling hope and confidence in His ability to bring about the miraculous.

In the face of doubt and uncertainty, God's response was one of patience and grace. **He lovingly alerted Abraham to his wife's unbelief, addressing the obstacles that stood in the way of their destiny.** By highlighting Sarah's struggles, God showed His understanding of their human frailty while also pointing them towards a deeper trust in His plans. He didn't shy away from addressing the areas of disbelief but instead used them as opportunities for growth and deeper faith in His promises.

As Abraham and Sarah grappled with their doubts and fears, God's response was always filled with compassion and reassurance. **He continued to restate His promise to them, reminding them of the incredible future He had ordained for them.** Despite their shortcomings, God remained faithful to His word, never giving up on His chosen ones. His patient persistence in reaffirming His plans for them demonstrated His unwavering love and commitment to seeing His purposes fulfilled in their lives.

Through every challenge and moment of uncertainty, God's response was rooted in His unchanging love and faithfulness. **He guided Abraham and Sarah with wisdom and grace, leading them towards a future filled with His promises.** As they navigated the ups and downs of their journey, God was there every step of the way, guiding them towards the fulfilment of His divine plan. In His response, we see a picture of a God who is deeply invested in His people, committed to shaping their lives according to His perfect will.

## What was their response?

(a) They believed the Lord with unwavering faith, trusting in His promises despite the doubts and challenges that may have arisen. It was a choice to hold onto God's word and walk in obedience, even when the circumstances seemed impossible. Their response was rooted in a deep conviction that God's plans would come to fruition, no matter the obstacles that stood in their way.

(b) They boldly proclaimed their new names to others, stepping out in faith to declare the identity that God had given them. Despite the potential for ridicule or disbelief from those around them, they stood firm in the truth of who God called them to be. Their confession of their new names was a declaration of their trust in God's sovereignty and power to bring about transformation in their lives.

(c) They actively resisted doubt and fear, choosing to focus on God's promises rather than the limitations of their own understanding. By rejecting the negative voices that sought to undermine their faith, they positioned themselves to receive the fullness of God's blessings and provisions. Their response was marked by a relentless determination to hold onto the truth of God's word, no matter the challenges they faced.

(d) They embraced the process of transformation and growth, allowing God to work in and through them to bring about His purposes. By surrendering their old identities and embracing their new names, they opened themselves up to the fullness of God's plan for their lives. Their response was a willingness to be moulded and shaped by the hand of the Lord, trusting in His wisdom and guidance every step of the way.

(e) Ultimately, they bore fruit in accordance with God's promises, fulfilling the destiny that He had spoken over their lives. Their response led to the birth of Isaac, the fulfilment of God's covenant with Abraham and Sarah. They became the Father and Mother of Nations, a testament to the power of God to transform lives and bring about His divine purposes. Their response serves as a powerful example of faith, obedience, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

## What mind-set is the Lord changing in your life?

In conclusion, God is in the business of transforming our identities and renewing our minds. Just as He changed Abram's name to Abraham, He is calling us to embrace our new names and step into the fullness of who He created us to be. It's a journey of faith and surrender, trusting that His plans for us far exceed our own limitations. 

Let go of the old labels and embrace the new names that God has spoken over your life. Align your thoughts, beliefs, and actions with the truth of who God says you are. Be open to the transformation He is bringing and watch as He fulfils His promises in your life. 

Embrace the prophetic power of names and walk boldly in the destiny that God has ordained for you.

## FAQ

### What is the significance of changing names in the Bible?

In the Bible, changing names signifies a shift in identity and purpose. Just as God changed Abram's name to Abraham to signify his role as the father of many nations, our names hold power and purpose in God's design for us.

### How does Satan try to alter our destinies?

Satan often tries to change how we see ourselves by feeding us lies and doubts about our true identity in Christ. Just like Babylon sought to alter the destinies of Daniel and his friends by giving them new names, Satan seeks to strip away our true identities and purpose.

### How can we respond to God's call to a new identity?

When God calls us to a new name and identity, we may initially respond with disbelief and doubt. However, by choosing to believe and embrace our new names, we step into the fullness of who God created us to be. It's a journey of faith and surrender, trusting that God's plans for us far exceed our own limitations.

### What mindset is the Lord changing in our lives?

God is constantly transforming us from guilt to forgiveness, from fear to trust, from emptiness to joy. He is shifting our identities from what we once were to what He has called us to become. It's a journey of growth and renewal that happens in His presence.

Written by Pastor Graeme Foster

Apostolic Praise Centre

Apostolic Prophetic Training network

Aptm.podia.com