Dear friends,

I woke up this morning thinking of a many things and remembered this verse and decided to question y’all a bit… 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10. “Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.”

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.”

So, I’ve decided to ask everyone to do a few things. Please find out what your name means. I know some of you have English names. But trust me, they also have meanings.

The reason why I am asking this is because Jabez realised that there was a problem with his naming & took it to God in prayer…

I have come to find that one’s name can come to define your life. For example, my name means “peace”. I have realised that I have so much peace! Peace guides me in my decision making. In the midst of trouble or affliction, I tend to enjoy a certain level of peace that passes most people’s understanding and a couple of people have told me that I have an aura of “tranquility” without even knowing my name! Same case with a family member of mine. Her name means “love”. I tell you… That woman is full of love. Uncontrolled, unconditional and non-judgemental love. I have a friend whose name means “who knows tomorrow?”. Meaning their life is full of so many uncertainties. So, here’s his new name – God secures my good tomorrow! (All in our mother tongue)

So here’s my point, once you find out what your name means, consider whether that’s a suitable name with which you’d like your life to be defined by. If not, please pray a similar prayer by asking God to change your name to what you want to be defined by. Please don’t be satisfied that you’re named after someone popular as you don’t know what afflictions that person was facing in private. I know it may not be practical to change your names on you IDs or birth certificates. But your spiritual name (which is most important) can always be changed. And I believe God that he will answer you as he did with Jabez.

When situations come your way, remember this new name and identify yourself by that name when you come into the presence of God (in prayer, worship, supplication or thanksgiving), and see how your life transforms…And I believe God that he will answer your as he did with Jabez.

Have a lovely weekend! Love y’all…

Ufuoma.

Ufuoma Akpoduado