This evening my girls were entertaining themselves with an App on my iPhone called, “What Does My Name Mean?” They were having a great time finding the meaning of their names, their siblings and friends. This got me thinking about my own name. By birth, I am “Barbara”, which means “Stranger”. When I was younger this use to always bother me. I didn’t like being referred to as a stranger. But as I’ve gotten older and have come to know Christ, I have fully embraced this birth name. I AM a stranger in a foreign land. I am simply passing through. My home is not here, but in eternity.
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. (Philippians 3:20)
I have often prayed and asked God to give me a new name, one that speaks to my new identity as a daughter of the King. There are many instances in the Bible where God gave new names. God changed Abram’s “high father” name to Abraham “father of multitude” (Genesis 17:5) and his wife’s name from Sarai “my princess,” to Sarah “mother of nations” (Genesis 17:15). God changed Jacob’s “supplanter” name to Israel “having power with God” (Genesis 32:28). He changed Simon’s “God has heard” name to Peter “rock” (John 1:42).
I am not certain I will receive my new name here on this earth, but I often sit and wonder if I did, what it might be and what it would mean.
You’ll get a brand-new name
straight from the mouth of God.
You’ll be a stunning crown in the palm of God’s hand,
a jeweled gold cup held high in the hand of your God.
No more will anyone call you Rejected,
and your country will no more be called Ruined.
You’ll be called Hephzibah (My Delight),
and your land Beulah (Married),
Because God delights in you… (Isaiah 62:2-4, The Message)
Oh, Barbie! I just love this post! I’ve often thought of what God’s name for me must be! Certainly He didn’t name me Robin…He must have a different name for me…my earthly father has a nickname for me that no one else calls me…I tell few people the name, bc it’s precious to me that only he calls me that and I don’t want the name to be taken lightly! That’s how I feel about what God must call me when no one else hears…I think the name “stranger” is perfect for you now, but I truly believe when you go home to your Heavenly Father, He will call out you a name that only He knows and in that intimate moment you will know…He is calling out to you…and you will no longer be “stranger”!
Barbie this sentence truly blessed me: I have often prayed and asked God to give me a new name, one that speaks to my new identity as a daughter of the King.
My given name is Deborah, and I have gone by every nickname that goes with it. So much so, that I have people from different times in my life stuck on nicknames I haven’t used for years. To know that the King of kings has chosen a new name for me, my name for eternity!! Wow!
Thanks and blessings!
Love this one. My name is Carol. It means song of joy. I hated my name as a child b/c no beautiful people had the name Carol. I wanted a more glamorous name. But several years ago, the Lord began speaking to me about true joy. I have learned to have true joy. When I realized this I also realized God chose my name. I am a song of joy. Now I love it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. This was great!
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