Changing My Name

One of my all-time favorite books is Hinds' Feet on High Places. I reread it every few years, and it never ceases to amaze me how Hannah Hurnard weaves scripture all throughout an allegory. There's something about the story that rings true and reaches my heart.

I'm feeling a little emotionally off-balance today, because I'm waiting for some big news tomorrow. God spent the morning reminding me that He is God no matter the outcome of this news. He started by speaking to me through Deuteronomy 31: 8, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." He reminded me that He is in complete control of my destiny. A "no" tomorrow isn't the end of the world. It's just a turn in the path, and I'll be fine as long as I follow Him. He's going before me.

I then felt a gentle nudge to go on to read more from Hinds' Feet. In this chapter, Much Afraid, the main character, is once again facing down her family/enemies Pride, Bitterness and Self-Pity. She is rescued by the Shepherd, and she begins to question him about why she was unable to fend off her enemies. Here is the dialogue that follows:

"I think," said the Shepherd gently, "that lately the way seemed a little easier and the sun shone, and you came to a place where you could rest. Your forgot for a while that you were my little handmaiden Acceptance-with-Joy and were beginning to tell yourself it really was time that I led you back to the mountains and up to the High Places. When your wear the weed of impatience in your heart instead of the flower Acceptance-with-Joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you."

Much-Afraid blushed. She knew how right he was in his diagnosis....She put her hand in the Shepherd's and said sorrowfully, "You are quite right. I have been thinking that you are allowing me to follow this path too long and that you were forgetting your promise." Then she added, looking steadfastly into his face, "but I do tell you now with all my heart that you are my Shepherd whose voice I love to hear and obey, and that it is my joy to follow you. You choose, my Lord, and I will obey."

Just for today (or maybe forever), I think I'd like to be called Acceptance-with-Joy instead of Amy. I'd ask for your prayers tomorrow that I would follow with joy the Shepherd on whatever path He chooses. I promise to share more and not be so secretive next week!