WRESTLING AGAINST FATE FOR A NEW LIFE

8th MARCH 2023

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. – Revelation 2:17

Every human being is affected by that wheel of fate which tends to define the measure of success we attain.  Life is full of natural forces that affect the way we reason and do things generally; Some negative forces, some positive forces. But the scripture says that Jesus has already overcome these forces, and what that means is that God’s grace can deliver us from the negative influences of these forces only if we achieve a divine alignment with God or submit to the master in times of need.

This is also a confirmation that at some point in life, we could experience a divine visitation that sets us free from the whims and caprices of fate.  What that tells us is that we may live our true name and identity which was created for us even before we were born. 

At first, Jacob was greatly affected by these negative forces, but he was determined to end his suffering. He had faith in God and sought the face of God during struggles and pains. God heard his prayers and set Jacob free from the wheel of fate by giving him a new name.  That means everyone will suffer under the wheel of fate, not minding the name you currently bear. 

The reason we suffer is not because of the name we bear; rather, we are negatively affected only because we are human, and the forces at play here on earth are beyond our control. But with God and divine alignment with Him, all things are possible. From Jacob’s experience, it means you will overcome the forces of fate only when you live your true name given to you by God directly. But that name is revealed to you only when you have sought and found God through prayers and supplications.

 Notwithstanding the meaning of any name, we currently bear and given to us by ourselves or our parents, we must seek or find our true name, which name is secret to God and given by God directly. (Is. 62:2; Rev. 2:17). Please note that the name I am referring to is not a name you suddenly picked on your own to bear. It is also not a product of rationalization as when you feel like changing your name, and you pick and choose a name you admire and begin to bear it.

But we shall discover and learn that new name on the night of God’s visitation to us just like he visited Jacob in a wrestling bout. Allegorically, the wrestling shows Jacob’s moments of struggle under the wheel of fate. Despite his stolen birthright, Jacob still suffered and struggled. Jacob would not stop bothering God until God blessed him. When God finally delivered Jacob, He gave him a new name, a new identity, and a new life. God gave him rest from his struggles and pains. He became Israel, the one who has struggled with God and with humans and has prevailed. He became a new person.

Jacob became more authentically himself; the one God has always known him to be. It is your turn to be set free today. Are you ready to receive the new name and identity, which in fact is your true name? It is the name that harmonizes you with God’s heart and soul, having proceeded from God himself – not human-made. This is the name that truly aligns you with divine providence, not the one that ties you to the wheel of fate.

Today, I want you to ask God about your true name and identity. He will speak to you; That one name is known only to him, the name that is for your ears only. Become what you have heard, and you will overcome and experience a great transformation.

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, reveal to me this day my true name and identity and set me free from the wheel of fate.  Thank you, father. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Genesis 32:26 – 28; Isaiah 62:2