And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6)
My nephews had never been to the Caribbean but were able to visit for a family wedding. I loved seeing their excitement at each new discovery. The sand was hotter than they’d expected; the water was warmer, and the food was “different.”
Not every discovery pleased them—but then they found johnny cakes. We visited a little shack on the side of the road, known for having some of the best food on the island. There the boys first tasted the piping-hot, fried dough. The following day they were at a party and jumped with excitement when they saw a tin filled with the fried bread. Each boy took an enormous bite when suddenly their faces told the story. One spit the uneaten bread out while the other said, “I want the real johnny cakes!” Needless to say, the food had not met their expectations of what a johnny cake was supposed to taste like.
Certain names come with expectations. And while the names God was given were no small ones, he certainly lives up to all of them. God is wise, mighty to save, eternal, and forgiving. His unchanging nature allows us to change. When we rely on him, we begin to look more like him and perhaps become a reflection of his glorious name.
Call on the name of the Lord—he fills every need.
Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at IWU. Three of her top spiritual gifts are encouragement, service, and compassion. She and her husband live in south Florida and enjoy visits from their two adult children.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
