“For it is through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” Genesis 21:12

Abraham had been waiting for an heir his entire life.  Specifically, God had promised this heir twenty-five years earlier.  Finally, the promise rested in his arms. His name was Isaac.  Even though the promise was fulfilled in the birth of Isaac, the naming of that promise wouldn’t take place for approximately another hundred years.

He said, Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed. Genesis 32:28

Having God name a promise is just as important as receiving that same promise.  When the Lord names a promise, He gives His certified seal of approval.  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob went through numerous trials and tribulations individually.  All three generations held on in faith to the words God spoke to them.  In each generation there were those who sought to take their wives, cheat or steal their livelihood, and thus thwart God’s word.  In the end, God named the promise because they wrestled and struggled but prevailed.  This is what the name of Israel means.

You too will have to fight in order to inherit the promises of God.  This is only the beginning of your travails.  After receiving the promise, the world, the devil, and even some of your closest friends will fight to take that promise from you.  Yes, some of your fiercest battles will transpire on the other side of the promise being birthed.

Let this be an encouragement to you… God wants to name your promise as well.  When He does, no force in heaven or hell can change the outcome of that word.  God is good!

Blessings,

Pastor