As a little girl, I began to dislike my name. I couldn’t find it on keychains or other tchotchkes. It was the name of a town, which was boring. It was like being named: Paris or London, but not as popular. Then when I was around 8 I was in children’s church and learned the meaning of my names: Bethany: House of God or House of Figs, Rochelle: Small Rock
I was fascinated by the idea that names have meaning. It was later in life that my Dad told me that it wasn’t an accident that I was named Bethany Rochelle. My parents wanted me to have a name that meant something and would remind me that my foundation was built on faith in God. I was a House of God built on the rock.
In Genesis, we meet a man with a great name: Abram meaning “Exalted Father”. Except Abram wasn’t a father. Him and his wife, Sarai were struggling with infertility in their marriage. Yet, God was was ready to use this man and his family in a big way:
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Genesis 12:1-3
Abram was called to leave his home, follow the Lord, and for his obedience God would bless Abram and his descendants. Sounds simple right? Except it wasn’t, Abram and his household go through many trials as they travel. Sometimes, Abram got into trouble and drifted outside of the will God had for him. But Abram always went back to the Lord.
In Genesis 17:1-5,
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
Genesis 17:1-5
At the age of 99, God again promised Abram that he would be a father and to ram the point home, He changed Abram’s name! Can you imagine? Having God directly name you? By changing Abram’s name to Abraham He was telling Abraham to announce to everyone, “I am a Father of Multitudes” even though he didn’t have any children yet.
Not long after this name change, Abraham’s wife took matters into her own hands. We’ll get into that story at a different time, but let’s just say that when we try to make things happen on our terms instead of God’s we get counterfeit blessings.
A year later, God blessed Sarah and Abraham:
“[...] Abraham was a hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
Genesis 21:5
Abraham was a father at the age of 100. I personally can’t imagine how that must have felt. Having confirmation of all of God’s promises wrapped up in one little baby’s swaddling blankets.
Like Abraham, I too wish to be a parent. While my name doesn’t mean mother, it does hold significance for me in that I’m meant to serve the Lord and give Him praise. My parents named me for a purpose and I believe that God has called me to do His work.
I encourage you today to think about not only the name that you were given at birth, but think about what God is wanting you to do with your life. Are you allowing Him to guide you?
Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.
Photo by Lauren Mancke on Unsplash