The Power of a Name

Many of us are familiar with the power of a name.  Whether it’s your own name or someone you know, we have all experienced the weight that names and titles can carry.  For example, the title President, generally describes someone with the authority to make important decisions. The title, Medical Doctor, typically refers to someone deemed capable of diagnosing and treating illnesses.  The title, Mom, most often signifies someone who will love, accept and understand you more than any other human being.  Needless to say, there are powers and privileges in a mere name. However, all of these names still have limitations.  There is only one name with infinite ability and that name is Jesus! 

Philippians 2:9-11 tell us, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The good news is that through love and faith, we can utilize the power of His name to combat all of our own enemies. Many Christians believe that Jesus’ power is something that existed only in the Bible and is not attainable to us as 21^st century creations, but we are told that the power will forever be available to all generations, even to us today!  Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. 

What is your enemy?  Fear?  Disease or illness?  Divorce or dysfunction in your family?  Finances?  Unemployment?  Depression?  Loneliness?  Addiction?  Feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness? Apathy or procrastination?  Pride? Whatever it is, you have the authority to overcome its affects and be victorious because Luke 10:19 tells us, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  When we submit ourselves to God and let Him work on our behalf, we are guaranteed success. 

If you have been defeated in any area of your life and you’re tired of losing the battle, it’s time to give it up to Jesus, your Advocate in heaven, and send the devil running.  James 4:7 reminds us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Jesus not only died to save us from our sins, but also to give us life more abundantly.  Don’t let His deeds be in vain.  Accept all He has done for you and wants to continue doing for you.  John 10:9-11 says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  The enemy only comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

As Joel Osteen declares, “You are a victor, not a victim.”  Let the name of Jesus lead you to victory!

Vanessa