Throughout the Bible, when God did a fresh work in people’s lives, He often changed their name. Names were a reflection of the person’s character. When someone’s character changed, they required a name that was more suitable to who they were presently. In Gideon’s case, it was his own father who recognized that his son had changed dramatically. After Gideon’s encounter with God, he was no longer behaving as a timid, fearful, younger son. He had become a mighty man of valor, just as God had promised! (Judges 6:12).
Our world will never be transformed if we remain the same people we have always been. When was the last time your character and style of leadership was dramatically altered? When was the last time people commented on the transformation they had witnessed in you? Have you grown stale? Are you stuck in a rut? Do you need a fresh encounter with almighty God?
It is one thing for us to declare that we are growing in our relationship with God. It is quite another for people around us to be commenting on the dramatic changes they have personally witnessed in us. We serve the Creator. He delights in changing us for the better! Let Him!