What's in a Name

I've always been proud of my name. And I've always been fascinated by the meaning of names. I love stories when God calls someone by name because names are powerful.

Here's something funny. (I love when God does stuff like this). A couple weeks ago I was really struggling, just being bombarded by evil and I had no clue what was going on. Finally one night I could not sleep at all. I got maybe 2 hours of sleep and God said "stop wrestling with me Jacob." So I got up and read the story where Jacob wrestles with God and I kept thinking "I'm not letting go until you bless me, but I'm already blessed, I don't know why I'm wrestling or what I'm wrestling for but I need to see you before I let go...do something Lord."

I know I'm going backwards but hang with me. A couple weeks before all of this I started reading through Deuteronomy. The whole time God's been showing me that I am Israel, and that my parents are Abraham, and that I've been wandering in the desert.

So I read the story where Jacob wrestles with God. And finally after the sun comes up, the Lord tells Jacob: "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome." (Genesis 32:28)

I used to always ask God to change my name. I just always wanted a special name that was given to me by God, not my parents. And I felt like I had it now, but I knew that wasn't it. I will always be Israel, God's chosen child, wanderer of the desert, destined for the promised land. But I am more than that.

I am Alexandria Nicole. You know how He works in themes? Well, this one's pretty great. Alexandria Nicole means "victorious defender of men". And recently, God's been training me for war. He's molding me into a warrior for His kingdom. And I couldn't be happier. I've still got a long way to go, but I have faith that I will be victorious with "sword of the spirit" in my right hand and the "shield of faith" in my left. Crowned with the "helmet of salvation" and girded with the "breastplate of righteousness" and the "belt of truth," as I walk with the "sandals of peace."

I am a mighty warrior for Christ. A victorious soldier at the front-lines. Psalm 45:3-4