The Power of a Name

There is a strong power to a name. As believers, we know that just speaking Name of JESUS can change everything. At the Name of Jesus, demons flee. Names were very significant in the Bible. God would often give a new name to his people when their lives altered or took on a new destiny. I believe names are still very significant today. The entrance of radio show host, Delilah, into our adoption story altered everything. After our encounters with her, we knew clearly, our oldest son was to bear the middle name of her son, Sammy, who died this year of sickle cell anemia. Sammy was also adopted as a teenager and was so very special to so many. Not only did the connection between Delilah and our adoption cause us to want carry on her son's name, but the message and power of the name Samuel. Our oldest son loves God. He is full of faith despite his circumstances and he declares on a regular basis, "Nothing is impossible for God." Our oldest son walks to church weekly and prays. He doesn't have parents driving him to church. He doesn't have a bus stopping by his house to get him. He rises and walks with his friend to church on his own faithfully. The name Samuel means "God has heard". Hannah prayed and prayed for a child and God heard her cries and gave her Samuel. God has heard our son's prayers and is moving mountains to see his answer come. Our son wants a family. He wants a good education to become a doctor. Our son wants a home. Our son wants to belong. Samuel, God has heard...what a fitting name. I believe that name will mark his life from this point on as seal. I believe he will pray and God will hear and answer. The power in a name... Our youngest son is nine. We don't get to talk with him as much as our oldest because he is still learning English. The pastor that used to visit them once a week told us how our younger son is outgoing, likes to joke, and have fun. We prayed about a name for him and Gabriel became the name. His middle name will be Gabriel. It will be both our son's choice whether to be called by their first names or their new middle names. They are marked by their names either way. Gabriel means "strong man of God". We sure need some strong men of God in these days! I believe that our beautiful boy will carry this name with valor and integrity and character. His coming into our family will enable him to focus on more than survival. He will be able to develop his gifts and let God develop him into a world changer. Gabriel is one of the arch angels of heaven...a strong angel. Our son will carry strength as a seal. He will be marked by meekness...strength under control. What's in your name? I find the meaning of my name very interesting and sometimes comical. My parents named me JoLynn. JoLynn means two things. It means "Increase" and it means "Bearer of Many Children". Certainly, this name has marked my life! Having children and adopting children have been my passion since I was three years old. We are about to adopt two children, making seven in our home and eight total. I believe its time to find a 12-passenger van! The most important name is the Name Above All Names...Jesus. Have you called out His Name lately? Have you asked Him to take control of your life? Have you used His Name to forgive your sins, to heal your body, to restore a relationship? The name of Jesus is powerful. He is Savior of the world. Call out to Him. The Bible says, "Whoever calls on my name will be saved"...call on the Name of Jesus wherever you are today. He will hear you, He will answer you, He will make you strong. Me with our five children...soon to be seven!