WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

God created humanity in His image and likeness for a purpose: so we could see ourselves as He sees us. From the beginning, He pronounced a blessing over us, tying our identity to His divine plan. This connection was crucial, as the blessing could only flourish when aligned with the right identity.

In Genesis 3, the devil targeted this very identity when he tempted Adam and Eve. He deceived them into thinking they needed to do something to become like God, even though they were already created in His likeness. By believing this lie, they lost their true identity and, consequently, their ability to fully live in God’s blessing.

Your name plays a significant role in shaping your identity, but identity goes beyond a label or what others call you. It is deeply rooted in the mindset and beliefs instilled in you from birth, often by parents or authority figures. This identity can influence your destiny, shape your self-esteem, and reflect how you see yourself. Your understanding of who you are is crucial, as it determines your ability to walk in God’s purpose for your life.

This is vital because a divine inheritance cannot coexist with a negative identity. To receive and steward a divine blessing, you must embrace a divine identity. Take, for example, Jacob, whose name means "Supplanter." His name reflected the circumstances of his birth and shaped his actions. Every time he was called “Jacob,” it reinforced an identity of striving and cunning. This mindset influenced his deceptive efforts to claim a blessing that God had already planned for him.

While Jacob succeeded in deceiving his father to receive the blessing, he could not fully manifest it until God intervened. God cannot be deceived, for He knows us completely. Before Jacob could fully receive and walk in the blessing, God needed to transform him—changing not only his name but his entire perception of himself.

In Genesis 32:26-30, we see the pivotal moment in Jacob’s life:

"And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let you go, except you bless me.

And he said unto him, What is your name? And he said, Jacob.

And he said, Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince you have power with God and with men and have prevailed.

And Jacob asked him, Tell me, I pray, your name. And he said, Why is it that you ask about my name? And he blessed him there.

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

Through this encounter, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, signifying his transformation and new identity in God. He could now fully embrace his destiny as a prince with God. This underscores a critical truth: you cannot hold onto a false identity and expect to receive or manage God’s blessings. A wrong identity breeds a negative mentality, which hinders you from fulfilling God’s purpose.

If you are in Christ, your identity has been restored. God has given you a new name and declared you His beloved. You are blessed, chosen, and made in His image. Believe it, receive it, and walk in it.

 

PRAYER FOR IDENTITY AND BLESSING

Heavenly Father,
I come before You with gratitude for creating me in Your image and likeness. Thank You for the blessings You have spoken over my life and the purpose You have placed within me.

Lord, I ask for Your help to see myself as You see me—redeemed, loved, and chosen. Remove from my heart any false identity, negative mindset, or lie that the enemy has planted to confuse or diminish who I am in Christ. Help me to embrace the divine identity You have given me through Jesus, and to walk boldly in the truth of Your Word.

Like Jacob, I want to let go of any name, label, or belief that does not reflect Your will for my life. Transform my mind, my heart, and my spirit. Remind me that in Christ, I am a new creation, and my identity is found in You alone.

Lord, I surrender my life to You and ask for Your blessing. Shape my character so I can steward Your blessings well and fulfill the purpose You have designed for me. May my life bring glory to Your name and reflect the truth of Your love to the world. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.