No person is singular. To some people, I am a daughter. To others, a doctor. In all cases, the name people use is directly associated with the relationship I have with them. It holds importance, defining the structure of our connection.

At the beginning of the Bible, there are multiple names of God, but I find El Shaddai special because it is the first time God tells a human what he wants to be called. Prior to that, God is being named by others, but in Genesis 17, God not only names himself, but renames Abram to Abraham, literally redefining their bond.

While Christians have a tendency to think of God as our loving Father, it is important for us not to let familiarity overshadow supremacy. When God first reached out a man to craft a relationship with him, he called himself the Almighty God, then made a series of promises to him.

However, the name of El Shaddai was also a oath. It was God swearing that he had the power to accomplish his word.

In our relationships with other humans, we make commitments… and break them. Sometimes we have no intention of keeping our vows, but other times circumstances beyond our control prevent us from fulfilling our word. By calling himself the Almighty God, El Shaddai was telling Abraham, and us, that he has the power to keep his word, no matter how impossible the situation.