by Delores Liesner
Isaiah 62:2 says that … “you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow…”(NIV)
I was the kid who always wanted to be somebody else. I would practice my new voice, my strut, and my style before the mirror. When fashion did not make me into something new, I’d change my name – sometimes weekly, on my school assignments. That abruptly ended when my 7th grade biology teacher, quietly grading papers in class, suddenly held one up and mused – rather loudly I thought – “Hmmmm Terri – who would that be? I don’t have a Terri in my class… oh, well,” and let all my hard work glide through her fingers into the trash.
Many adults practice identity deceit as well. Our tricks are more sophisticated, of course. Whether hiding our inability to read, pretending financial success, using so many beauty enhancements our spouses don’t know whether to sleep on the bed or the dresser, or ditching the evidence of habits or addictions when caught, there is One whom we cannot fool.
Ironically, this very One– the Lord Jesus Christ – has what we long for –– a fresh new start. Isaiah 62:2 says … “you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow,” and 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV)
When God changed my heart, my spiritual understanding changed too. I knew! Finally, I knew! I had a new identity! Despite who I had been or what anyone else said I was, I was now adopted into God’s family –I was in Christ! God’s Spirit was now living in me and leading my life. Nothing I could do would improve or finish HIS perfect gift. The Bible says wages of sin is death, but Jesus paid my debt in full. It was SO awesome to realize that I did not have to live in guilt or fear anymore.
You know, being convinced that God cares for you will enable you to trust Him through any trial you might face. Life takes on new meaning. To rightly see myself as God sees me is not about self-esteem, but a reality check: realizing God has forgiven and wiped away my weakness and sin. As I looked into His Word daily, I saw my new identity as clearly as I’d looked into a mirror and seen Justified (legally cleansed of all charges) at the top of the mirror, and Sanctified (set apart for service to God) at the bottom. It truly was a brand-new life.
Have you ever wished for a new start? A new identity has been planned for those who would believe in Christ since the beginning of time. Have you found yours?
About the author: Delores is a storyteller. Her passion, whether writing or speaking is to be the miracle for others. Her grandchildren discovered when they spent time with Gramma, something unusual often happened, resulting in another story.
Over a thousand of those stories, devotionals, and articles are published in print and online and a compilation of 31 stories and life-changing challenges make up her devotional, Be the Miracle! (Elk Lake Publishing). Many other items are listed on her Amazon Author page.
Delores is often spotted reading (3-5 books at a time), trying on shoes, or munching dark chocolate and orange peel. Her personal ministry is to benefit children with life-threatening illness via Fullness of Life Foundation, Scottsdale, AZ
Free Book Contest! Arise Daily will use a random number generator to pick a winner from today’s comments. To enter our contest for Delores’s book, Be the Miracle, please comment below. By posting in our comments, you are giving us permission to share your name if you win! If you have an outside the US mailing address, your prize could be substituted with an e-book of our choice.
Join the conversation: What facet of your new identity in Christ do you appreciate the most?
Our identity in Christ, one of my favorite topics to read about, Delores! We can never be reminded too much that God is our Creator. I love the verse you shared. We are called by a new name, hallelujah! Thank you for the inspiration this morning:)
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Hey Kristine! I celebrate with you that while our names here have special meaning, the new name that will be uttered from God’s mouth will encompass all that He sees for us through Christ! Won’t that be amazing 🙂
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So many to choose from! Overcomer is special today.
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Yes, Melynda! I love the thought of being an overcomer -more than conquerers! Bringing treasure with us whereever we go 🙂
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I think the new identity I love the most is being called His, loved. Belonging to the one that loves me so much He sent His Son to die for me. He loves me so much and will never tell me He can’t stand me.
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Hello Debbie! You are so right – His Beloved – cherished and held close – loved more than life itself. That’s you!
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Thanks for giving us a chance to win.that the past doesn’t define me jesus does
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Love that, Noelle! Isn’t it crazy how we can be tempted to let the past affect or even control our present or future when Jesus has forgotten it as far as the east is from the west! Just as Jesus has a new name for you, He has expanded your boundaries to include new definitions like justified, sanctified, Beloved.
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I am so blessed my past has been forgiven and Jesus loves me regardless of my past.
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Vicky, Isn’t it amazing to realize that the past God forgave no longer exists! It’s forgotten into infinity.
All is new or becoming new.
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That I am loved, accepted, approved of, and belong to One who will never send me away.
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Hi Poppy, you are certainly Beloved and secure in the love of one who keeps close. I’m glad with you that He goes before us.
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I am thankful for Forgiveness and Grace. Unconditional Love 💕 is a wonderful gift that I embrace and respect. I treasure it.
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Brenda, I love to see all the gifts and emotions and actions that go with Grace. It is hard to do forgiveness or unconditional love without Grace, So many gems to treasure 🙂
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The past is gone and I am new!
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That’s a great new starting place, Sue. I’ve often heard people say they wish they could start over, knowing what they know now…well you have, and that’s certainly a reason to celebrate!
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Knowing I am eternally His means everything. This should fuel our desire for all to meet Him and receive their identity in Christ.
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Sue, I so agree. Having Faith is one thing and activating it – using it – nourishng it – keeping it alive well that’s the rest of the story 🙂
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