A New Name
By
Janet Byrne
“Therefore,
since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful…”
Hebrews
12:28a (NIV)
When our oldest son was born, my husband and
I were over the moon. We couldn’t contain our thanks to God for giving us this
precious boy to love. Our first pregnancy had ended in a late term miscarriage
so we were beyond grateful to have been given another child. Wanting to name him
something to reflect our thanks, we named him Grant. We told people we had
named him Grant so that we would remember to never take him for
granted.
In the same way, you have been given a name.
Our names are a set of words by which we’re known. Our earthly names are
usually given by our parents. You may be a Michelle, a Rachel or Kimberly. God
also gives us many names. He calls us Beloved, Redeemed and Saved. Those
who believe in Jesus are known by these names to God.
Being known and called Loved, Treasured,
Adopted, and His daughter are all truly amazing names to be called. However, I
believe according to the passage above that God wants each of us to be
known by the name “Thankful” most of all. To be called Thankful would mean we
are known to be appreciative of a benefit; grateful. It would mean we were
known to be expressive of gratitude. This is the will of God.
Without Jesus’ death on the cross, my name
would instead be Hopeless. Without His sacrifice, my name would be Death.
BUT, because of His great love for us, we are called His children. I cannot
think of a greater blessing and benefit in my life.
I know Thanksgiving is just one day out of
the year, but it is my prayer that I would take on a new name. It is Thankful…
not just thankful when life is going according to my plan, but thankful
regardless. Thankful. Period! Wouldn’t it be neat if when people asked us our
names, we replied “My name is Thankful.” And if they look and say, “Wow, that
is unique, why are you named that?” My reply could be, “I am thankful to Jesus
for His death and resurrection that has given me life.”
May we be known as those who are thankful.
Today and every day.
GOING DEEPER:
1. If people were given one word to describe
you, what would it be? Is your name Thankful?
2. What changes could you make to create a
more thankful YOU? Try to show random acts of thankfulness at least once a
week.
FURTHER READING:
Janet is
a full time wife and mother of two boys. She is involved on the Women's event
team at Oakwood Church and is currently writing a book about her faith journey
while dealing with a significant health crisis. You can check out her webpage
and blog at janetbyrne.org.
