Today I read Genesis 17, about the circumcision covenant between God and Abraham. Today I thought about the importance of your name and that obedience is sometimes uncomfortable.

Power of a Name

When we name our children, we are speaking over their lives every time we call their name. God changed Abram and Sarai’s names to show the blessing God was bestowing on them. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham meaning father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah probably meaning princess of nations. God cares about our names and we should know what we are speaking over our children every time we call their name.

Abraham’s Obedience in the Midst of Pain

Some of the actions God tells us to take can be painful. God required Abraham, his male family members, and his male household members to be circumcised (Genesis 17:10). This was something painful that Abraham endured at 99 years old. Sometimes our acts of obedience are painful or uncomfortable, but God will bless us for our obedience.

Questions and Thoughts for Today

What hardship have you endured in being obedient to God?