Names have meaning, both good and bad. 

If you’ve ever been in charge of naming something, more than likely you looked up the meaning of the name to make sure it aligns with the thing you are naming. We often make sure the name we choose has a good meaning behind it, one we can be proud of and gladly share the meaning if someone were to ask. 

Names hold power and often define your direction and sometimes even your character. 

There are many instances in the bible where God changes people’s name to better align with their new assignment. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah and Simon became Cephas, better known as Peter. These are all individuals who needed new names to match God’s assignment for them and to change their lives and outlook. 

God has a name. An all encompassing name. A name that He has always been and always will be. A name that you should know. A name that’s powerful. A name above all names. That name is, I AM. 

See Exodus 3:13-14:

Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’

So what does “I AM” mean? Simply put it’s God declaring himself as God. It’s God saying this is the singular name you need to be concerned with, because if you can name me, you will define me and if you define me you will confine me. So instead of naming me one thing, know that I AM everything that you need me to be and more!

I AM. 

Friends, I hope this fires you up. I hope you can rejoice in the I AM today. I pray you find strength in His name and hopefulness in all the past, present and future promises that the I AM has made. 

May the I AM answer all your questions, make pathways for you, extinguish your doubts and light a fire in your heart.  

See you next week!