Having just celebrated Easter, I am struck by the thought that because of the power of the resurrection, who I am is different after the Cross. I can have a life that is free from shame(who I am), fear, guilt (what I’ve done)and anything else that held me captive.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.
And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead,
He will give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Romans 8:11

The hopeless is gone. The fear of always being the same ~ stuck in what I think of myself, things that have happened or what others have spoken over me. I now have an option. I can let the power of Jesus’ blood wash me, cleanse me and change me … or … I can stay the same.

Change is hard and can be scary, even if it’s for our good. We can choose to stay the same simply because it’s comfortable and we know what to expect, no mater how unhealthy. BUT God promises us new life:

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn
to know your Creator and become like Him. “
Colossians 3:10

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

One thing I have noticed about God is that He has a habit of changing people’s names after they had an encounter with Him. To name a few: Abram became Abraham; Sarai became Sarah; Simon became Peter. And these two:

* “Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28

* “ While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…” Acts 13:2 & 9

What a great hope and gift! To me, it’s about getting a new life; to be given a second chance and to make different choices.

I know He calls me “Beloved”; “Forgiven”; “Chosen”; “Apple of my eye”; “Friend” and so much more. Those names are full of love and hope and so very different than what I called myself.

* “ I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I told you everything the Father told me.” John 15:5

* “…for whoever touches you, touches the apple of His eye.” Zechariah 2:8

Have you ever thought about what God calls you? How do you view yourself?
What promise of hope and a new life are you holding onto?
Do you still answer to the old names that no longer define you? …They can be hard to let go of. It’s easier the believe the ugly about ourselves.

“O, God help us to believe the truth about ourselves,
no matter how beautiful it is.”
~ Marcrina Wiederkehr

The power of Easter is the power of resurrection and new life. It’s the power that takes a fearful, angry, insecure girl who didn’t think much of herself and transforms her into someone who receives His love for her and trusts His Word that He is always with her. So she steps out to new challenges and experiences she would have never thought of! She changes the oil on a school bus in Mexico: speaks in front of crowds with an interpreter; believes Him in the darkest moments in Her life and finds hope.

She is not the same and although the old names try to call out, she is standing firm in who GOD says she is!
What a gift and hope!

A few years ago when I first heard this song, there were tears! and hope! Please take a moment to listen to the song and let His names for you bring hope and life.

Have the most amazing day, Beloved of God!
All My Love,
~ Jodi xo

We would love to send the blog to you each week! You can sign up below. xo