(Genesis 35:18, NLT)
The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”).
In Genesis 35, just before Rachel died while giving birth, she was in so much pain and distress that she named the baby Ben-Oni, which means “son of my sorrow.” Back in those days, a child’s name set the direction for their life. She had pronounced that he would live a sorrowful, painful, depressing life. But Jacob intervened and changed his name to Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand, son of my strength.” Jacob would not allow his son to see himself as a son of sorrow, as limited and defeated.
Perhaps the people who should have been speaking faith over you, affirming you, naming you victorious, talented, and a masterpiece did just the opposite. If they named you a failure, not good enough, or not talented, the good news is that what God names you overrides what people name you. Don’t let the negative things people have spoken over you, how you were raised, or what you didn’t get determine your destiny. Change your name to what God calls you.
“Father, thank You that You alone have the right to name me. Thank You that what You name me overrides all the other names I’ve been called and all the mistakes of my past. I will call myself what You call me and become who You say I am. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
Pastor Ricardo and Nuvia McCalla and company
