What's in a name? Parents spend time and energy choosing just the right name for their baby, but is this simply a matter of picking something that sounds nice and has a good meaning, or is their something more?
In the Bible, a person's name could define their identity and their destiny. When Jacob (which means 'deceiver') wrestled with God (Genesis 32:22-28), God gave him a new name - Israel - and and a new, world-changing destiny.
I've always been proud of my family name. Of Scottish heritage from way, way back, my family name is one that is associated with Scotland's greatest hero and patriot, Sir William Wallace, whose struggle against the English to win freedom for his country was portrayed in the Oscar-winning film Braveheart.
It was only recently that God revealed to me that the family name I have, though not chosen by me, is no accident. Instead, God had prepared since before the start of time for me to have this name, because this name speaks His destiny for my life over me.
The motto of the Wallace clan is "For Liberty" and the clan tartan is a beautiful, rich red. How does this tie in with who I am and what my destiny is?
Well, it just so happens that red is my favourite colour. Red is the colour of life, the colour of celebration - and the colour of blood, of sacrifice. Jesus' sacrifice, the shedding of His blood on the cross, brought complete freedom from sin and life for all eternity to anyone who calls on His name.
And it is Jesus who called me to Japan to play a part in bringing His freedom to the nation of Japan. Preferably while wearing lots of red :)
I think it is amazing how God was speaking destiny over my life years before I was even born.
FOR LIBERTY - FOR FREEDOM - FOR GOD'S FREEDOM
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