What is your name?
"What is your name?" the man asked. He replied, "Jacob." "Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." (NLT) Genesis 32:27-28
In Genesis 32:27-28, God asked Jacob, “What is your name?” Though God already knew, this question held a deeper purpose. Jacob, who had lived a life marked by deception, was confronted with his true identity. At that moment, God redefined him, changing his name to Israel—a symbol of transformation and divine purpose.
God does not ask questions for His own knowledge but to lead us to self-reflection. Abraham was chosen because God knew he would remain faithful and instruct his descendants in His ways (Genesis 18:19). He instilled godliness in Isaac, and Jacob, too, was exposed to God’s truth. Yet, Jacob’s journey was not without struggle. His life was marred by cunning schemes, but at a critical point, God wrestled with him, challenging his character. Exhausted and broken, Jacob encountered the power of God's spoken word, and it changed everything (Hosea 12:3-4).
Today, we, too, are called to examine ourselves in light of God’s Word. Perhaps the Word of God is what we need to wrestle with today to rediscover our true selves. Like Jacob, we may face moments where God challenges our identity—not to condemn, but to transform. Scripture renews and refreshes our souls, providing the strength needed to align our lives with God’s will (Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). True elevation requires perseverance, striving toward the truth, and embracing God’s refining process (Philippians 3:13-14).
May we recognize our defining moments, allowing God to reshape us for His eternal purpose. When we surrender to His calling, we walk into a destiny far greater than we could ever imagine (Revelation 2:17). That will be the true win of faith!