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Saturday, August 11, 2007

She Likes Being Nothing ....

"Are your ears awake? Listen, Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I'll give the sacred manna to every conqueror; I'll also give a clear, smooth stone inscribed with your new name, your secret new name." Revelation 2:17


This week, my daughter was playing with a new stuffed bear her brother won in a Claw Machine. Exactly what is a Claw Machine? That would be one of those annoying contraptions where you put in $37 worth of quarters to win a $2 prize. Thanks to Claw Machines across the South, we are quarter poor and stuffed animal rich.

Luke asked Sydney the new bear's name. We expected an answer such as Cinderella, Frou Frou, or Sally, but instead she said, "Her name is Nothing. She likes being Nothing." And at that, my heart was immediately broken. Not for the bear, but for the many women I know who enjoy being named, "Nothing". I will bet you know at least one, too.

Oh, she may not introduce herself in this way, but her actions let you know this is the identity she has embraced. She flounders in her faith believing she is unworthy of God's best. She lingers on the outskirts of the sisterhood assuming her friendship is unwanted. She hides her pain for fear it will bring rejection. In some strange way, she finds comfort in her anonymity because with it also comes the lack of accountability. And Satan laughs because this is exactly where he wants her.

God has reserved a new name for those who overcome. The implications of this promise are huge! When a person is named, the one assigning the name is in effect establishing authority over them. It is the same concept as Adam naming the animals in the Garden. In this world where Satan is temporarily prince, he calls us Nancy the Nothing, Wanda the Worthless, Debbie the Defeated. (Disclaimer: I didn't use anyone's name on purpose!) However, Jesus Christ calls us Redeemed. He will give a new, secret name Satan will never be able to defile. I can not wait to know mine. Lisa has been called Loser one time too many.

We don't have to wait until Heaven to embrace a new identity. Paul did it. So did Abraham and Sarah. We can lay aside the symbols of our defeat and embrace the authority of Jesus Christ over our lives. He is holding out the stone, but He can't make us take it. If you haven't yet received this gift from Him, will you?

Because to Him, you aren't 'Nothing'.

You are Everything.




Please visit my personal blog, The Preacher's Wife.

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9 Comments:

Blogger Trina and Jophie said...

You always leave me thinking girlie. Thanks for being you. :0)

Hugs,
Trina

August 11, 2007 at 1:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful post Lisa...

I am blown away to imagine the day we receive our new name and the smooth stone. Neat thoughts this morning. Thank you.

August 11, 2007 at 9:22 AM  
Blogger Kelly @ Love Well said...

Beautiful, Lisa. Just beautiful.

August 11, 2007 at 11:45 AM  
Blogger Lori said...

Amen! Thank you for the encouragement. We have a God that is crazy about each one of us.

August 11, 2007 at 12:14 PM  
Blogger StarKnits said...

thank you for the great reminder that God has called me HIS!!

August 11, 2007 at 2:19 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

Oh Lisa, this was just beautiful.

August 11, 2007 at 9:56 PM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

I agree with Trina, you get me thinking!! Now that renaming that always happens in scripture makes so much sense!!

August 12, 2007 at 10:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wonderful post! There are too many women out there who think their name is Nothing! Thanks for this.

August 13, 2007 at 1:31 PM  
Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

I love to think about the thought of a "new name".

Boy, have I took on the name of "nothing" too many times.

August 15, 2007 at 11:44 PM  

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