Free Grace Women

Written by Judy Kenagy

Recently, as I walked along the beach of Ocean Shores, I zeroed in on three small white stones. They caught my eye despite being covered by the sand and dwarfed by countless shells and seaweed.  I was attracted by their purity, size and smoothness, and saw them as a collector’s item.  When Bob saw them in my hand, he reminded me of a verse in Revelation where we are promised a white stone.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17 NKJV)

Will I be an overcomer? What will be my new name? This verse invites these questions.

An overcomer is one who endures to the end.  What does this mean in today’s world?  When I was a young mom, I could not fathom that persecution for my faith would come in my lifetime.  But having lived almost three quarters of a century, with all of society’s changes, the possibility of defending my faith in Jesus in a public square is more real than ever. It appears the end times are speeding up; everything is moving faster and more precariously.  I find myself asking, “Will I endure to the end?”

White stones were granted to the victor in Greek contests, or to the winner in Roman gladiator combat; they came with a price.  Faithfulness on my part as an overcomer is not easy; I stumble and fall at times. Years of training are required for the athlete or gladiator to win. Intimacy with Christ as a co-ruler has a cost. Close fellowship with Him in the Kingdom will be a hard-earned reward.

I know for certain that my future is secure (John 10:28). The promise was made, and I know I will be with my Savior throughout eternity.  But will I be an overcomer who will inherit reward in the future Kingdom?  It is my heart’s desire to endure to the end, and that is why I strive to serve my Savior: I want to be a victor. John’s guiding exhortation keeps that desire in the forefront of my mind:

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28 NKJV)

Abiding is the key. Confessing when I act and think wrongly keeps the slate clean with my Savior, clearing the way for continued growth in my relationship with Him even as I advance in my senior years.

I wonder…what will be my new name?  Only the Lord and I will know. Could it be a character quality or a fruit of the Spirit? Could I be named Joy (like my cousin), Peace or Patience?  Will  it be the name of a gem, like Pearl, Ruby or Opal (my birthstone)?  Will it describe my personality in some way: Grace, Mercy or Faith?  I wonder if I will like my new name.  

Some believe the name on the white stone will be a nickname that God gives us–the only one of its kind.  My father gave a nickname to his first grandchild, my nephew. On Arnold’s birthday, potato-picking, Idaho-born Grandpa visited him in the hospital.  He looked at him swaddled in a blanket in the bassinet and proclaimed, “he looks just like a spud in there. I’m going to call him Spud!”  And he has never called him anything else!

I am told that my parents chose my name just because they liked the sound of it.  I’ve lived with this name for many years and I’m comfortable with it.  I cannot imagine being called anything else.  What a mystery to be named again–this time by the God of the Universe for eternity!  I want to hold a white stone and be rewarded with a new name. So, I strive to abide; I attempt to be a faithful disciple of Jesus. 

Dare I challenge you to do the same? What will be your new name?

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