In Daily Guideposts 2008, Debbie Macomber wrote a devotional in which a friend decided to change her name in order to change her attitude. To overcome discouragement, she became “Sheila the Faithful.” Debbie liked the idea so much that she decided to be “Debbie the Trusting.”

That struck a chord with me and reminded me of something that happened when I was serving on the board of our church in California. To get an idea of how we elders saw our role in serving the congregation, our pastor asked each of us, “What is your passion?” I heard answers such as “Christian education” and “stewardship.” When it came my turn to respond, all I could think of was simply “obedience.”

How did that come to mind so quickly? I thought back over the years and remembered how well things had gone for my family and me when I simply did what God called me to do—and how I struggled when I failed to heed the call. Would I quit my job and move thousands of miles away to do whatever God showed me? I resisted that prompting for a year while my job became an albatross and our fellowship group slowly disintegrated. But when I finally obeyed, I found myself smuggling Bibles for Brother Andrew to persecuted Christians in Eastern Europe.

The lesson is clear: When I obey God’s call, something wonderful happens.

Which leads me to think I’ll change my name to “Harold the Obedient.” It’s a name I’d like to grow into.

Father, I desire to do Your will. It’s my pleasure to obey when You call.