And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (Genesis 17:1-5)
This moment of encounter with God was more than a mere reaffirmation of God's promise. It was an invitation for Abraham to embrace a new identity and destiny. God's promise to multiply Abram exceedingly was not only contingent on God; it required Abram's active participation and obedience. Covenant is always a bilateral agreement. It required God’s faithfulness and Abram's response.
As Abram fell on his face before God, he accepted that his relationship with the Almighty defined his identity and destiny. When God spoke, changing his name from Abram to Abraham, it signified a shift in his identity. No longer was he merely the exalted father (Abram), but he was now declared the father of many nations (Abraham). When God speaks, identities are reshaped, destinies are redefined, and legacies are established.
Abraham's journey from doubt to faith, and from Abram to Abraham, serves as a reminder to us that God is a covenant making and covenant keeping God! He always keeps His side. It’s up to us to align our words with His and to keep ours!
Practical Application
Take a moment to reflect on your identity in Christ. Write a few Scriptures that affirm your identity as a child of God. Whenever doubt or uncertainty arises, revisit these Scriptures and declare them over your life. By anchoring your identity in Christ, you empower yourself to walk in confidence, purpose, and divine destiny.