Dear friend, it is a joy to receive this great blessing today. God has promised in 2 Samuel 7:9 “I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.” What a wonderful promise! God is able to give us a good name and lift us up in honor. But He does this not for those who try to hold on to their own name or reputation, but for those who are willing to surrender their lives to Him. When we worry about what people will say, or how society will view us, we become like Jonah who refused to obey God and ended up in the belly of a big fish. But when we obey God, trusting Him completely, He Himself will protect our name and make it shine.

My dear friend, many people in the world chase after fame and try to build a name for themselves. Yes, for a time they may rise to a great name, but if any hidden sin or weakness is exposed, their reputation collapses. They cannot protect their own name forever. But those who commit their lives into God’s hands, saying, “Lord, You protect me, You make me great, I only want to obey You,” will be honored by God. Paul is an example for us. Though beaten, imprisoned, and threatened with death, he kept preaching the gospel. He never cared about his own name, but only about lifting the name of Jesus. That is why his name still shines brightly in the history of faith.

Let us also learn from Paul and Jonah. Instead of worrying about what people think, let us throw away our own name and dignity into the hands of Jesus. He is the one who can protect it. When we follow Him faithfully, He will not only make His name great through us, but will also honor our name before men. Let us not live for our own fame, but for His glory. Then in His time, He will cause us to shine.

Prayer:
Loving Lord, I thank You for Your precious word. Lord, I place my name into Your hands. Protect my dignity and honor, Lord. Help me not to fear what people will say. Give me courage to follow You like Paul. Remove the spirit of Jonah from my heart. Teach me to value only Your will and Your plan. Make my name shine for Your glory. Let my life reflect Your name to the world. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.