On Tuesday March 1st, I met with Kerri Kenyon for the first time. I had heard her speak at First Baptist Church of Lodi a month earlier and felt as though she was talking directly to me. Once I found out she did Christian counseling, I knew I had to meet with her. At the end of our first meeting, Kerri told me my “homework” was to spend time hearing from God everyday and to write down everything He said. Then I was to find scripture that backed up what He told me.
I was a little unsure about this to say the least. A million questions ran through my mind. I have to write it down? What if God doesn’t have anything to say to me? He doesn’t want to talk to meeee, I’m just a nobody. This is like Beth Moore status quiet time. What if God doesn’t show up? How do I know it’s Him?
Well if you know me, then you know not doing my homework wasn’t an option. I didn’t finish a science project in 3rd grade and I’m still traumatized. So I tried it.
And guess what? God showed up every time and I always knew it was Him. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” It’s true.
This was a game changer. I wish someone would had told me to do this sooner. Of course I had done “quiet time” with God, but not like this. It’s amazing what happens when we just stop and listen. We have a lot of people telling us who we are, who we should be and what we should be doing everyday. Think about it. Whether it’s coming from social media, TV, music, your family and friends – there’s a lot of voices we’re listening to. But are you listening to the most important voice? It’s not usually loud; He doesn’t try to compete. God waits for us to come to Him. But when we do, He never disappoints. Our God will lavish you with the love only He can give, tell you your worth, invalidate the lies, fill you with His truth, give you purpose and refresh your spirit. It’s like taking the first sip of water after running tirelessly through the dessert.
Here’s part of my journal entry from March 17, 2016 – The day before I found out I was accepted to the World Race.
Hi darling. I love you. I am proud of you. You don’t need to seek other’s approval. What you’re doing won’t make sense to many people. But remember, you have a heavenly calling, not a worldly calling. I love you. Come to me. I love you. Seek me. I will give you joy. Despite your circumstances, I am your peace. Hold on tight to me. Tighter than anything else. Remember, I come first. Don’t loosen your grip on me. I am your life, baby girl. There’s a reason I don’t call you Dyl. Dylan is your name. I love Dylan. Own who you are. You are Dylan and you are my daughter.
Okayyy, whaaaat?? I honestly didn’t want to write that last part down. I thought it was soooo bizarre. I had no idea what to make of it. I have always disliked my name and preferred to be called Dyl. But so what? Why does this matter to God? Am I making this up? Am I going crazy?
A couple days later I was babysitting a little girl I had just met. We were eating dinner together and out of the blue she looks at me and says, “Dylan, I love your name.” I was so taken aback I could barely utter “thank you.” I just knew it wasn’t a coincidence. The next day I was listening to Pastor Tim tell the story of Jesus’ resurrection in Sunday school. He talked about Mary Magdalene weeping inside the tomb after finding it empty. He read John 20:13-16:
The two angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
I had heard this story a million times, but Tim said something I had never even thought about. Mary thought Jesus was a gardener until he said her name. Something about Jesus calling Mary by her name made her finally see him.
So at this point I knew I wasn’t making this whole name thing up. God was trying to tell me something. But I still had no idea what, so I told Kerri about all this the next time I saw her. After finishing my story, she asked me, “Do you know what your name means?” Looking at her blankly I said, “Son of the Sea?” She smiled and replied, “That may be your name’s inherent meaning, but each name also has a spiritual meaning.” This was news to me. Kerri grabbed the large book sitting at the end of the table and opened it up. It was full of names and their spiritual meanings. I think she could tell I was confused as to why she just happened to have this book within arms reach of us. She explained, “Names are very important to God, so I keep this here just in case. And yours means….Resolute Courage.” Kerri laughed with excitement and exclaimed, “Are you kidding me?! God told you your name means resolute courage the day before you were accepted on your nine-month mission trip?? Do you know how huge that is??” I was shocked. I had never considered myself courageous. In fact, I’ve always been the last person in the group to try anything risky. I had just accepted that’s who I was. Safe. Shy. Cautious.
Well not anymore. The Lord is giving me a new identity and showing me who I was created to be.
res·o·lute adjective
Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
cour·age noun
The ability to do something that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief.
I’m so grateful for a God who cares about the details.
What names have you given yourself? Maybe it’s time you ask God what He calls you. It might just change everything.
If you would like to purchase a t-shirt to help support my mission trip to India, Malaysia and Zambia, please contact me!
Phone: (209) 487-3348
Email: [email protected]
Want to know what your name means? Click here: Name Meanings
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