Our Identity in Christ

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” (Ruth 1:20-21)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above passage and the following line of verse 22 is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. Here we had someone in a difficult situation, going thru tremendous trial, even to the point where they would rename themselves “bitter” in their circumstances. But if you keep reading to verse 22 in the text, the Holy Spirit chose to inspire the writer of Ruth to still write her name as Naomi despite what she had called herself. I believe some Christians today are allowing the world and their temporary environments to dictate who their identity is. Some may even be so down in the dumps that, like Naomi, they’ve given themselves new names. But don’t you know that what God has called you will forever be yours in Jesus Christ!? You are more than a conqueror in God. You are are an overcomer by the blood of Jesus and the Word of your testimony. You are loved! Your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. Rejoice, because nothing will ever separate you from that love of God in our Lord. Amen.