Recently
I learnt that Jacob, in the Bible, had an identity crisis. I discovered
that the name 'Jacob' actually means 'deceitful' and we see from
Scripture that Jacob fulfilled this. An example is when He
deceived his father into thinking that he was Esau so that he (Jacob) would
receive the blessing instead. (Genesis 27)
Jacob
needed his identity changed. This happened when he met God and 'wrestled' with
Him. God changed his name that day to 'Israel' meaning 'prince with God'. The
Lord said from this day you will no longer be called Jacob, but will be called
Israel. God changed his name. He was transformed. I would like to believe that
this change also transformed his thinking. Jacob was no longer called
'deceitful' but was called 'prince with God'. So instead of the constant
reminder of being a deceiver, Jacob would now have that reassurance that he is
a prince with God. His mind would be renewed everyday with the knowledge that
he has been changed and has been given a fresh, new identity in
God.
Do
you have an identity crisis? Maybe you even think of yourself as 'A
deceiver' like Jacob, or as 'a failure' or as 'a mistake'.
Ask
God to change your identity today.
Because
the truth is that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
You
are precious in God's sight. Isaiah 43:3
You
are even made in God's image! Genesis 1:27
