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 in life. Life is full of natural forces that affect the way we reason and do things generally; some negative forces, some positive forces. But the scriptures say Jesus has already overcome these forces, and what that means is that the grace of God is able to deliver us from the negative influences of these forces, only if we 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 which sets us free from the whims and caprices of fate, in order that we may live our true name and identity created for us even before we were born. At first, Jacob was greatly affected by these negative forces, but he was determined to put an end to his suffering. He had faith in God and sought the face of God in the midst of struggles and pains. God heard his prayers, and set Jacob free from the wheel of fate by giving him a new name. Everyone will suffer under the wheel of fate not minding the name you currently bear. The reason we suffer is not due to the name we bear, rather, we are negatively affected only because we are human and the forces are beyond our control. But with God, all things are possible.

You will overcome the forces of fate only when you live your true name given to you by God directly. But the name is revealed to you only when you have sought and found God through prayers and supplications. Notwithstanding the meaning of any name we bear and live with, there is for each one of us another name. It is a secret name given and known only by God (Is. 62:2; Rev. 2:17). We discover and learn that name in 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 struggles 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. He 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? That is your real name. It is the name that harmonizes with the heart and soul of God, having proceeded from God himself – not man-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 that is known only to him, the name that is for your ears only. Become what you have heard.