 |
| Picture by Pixabay |
 |
| Image by Psychology Today |
Before I explain my key words for 2020, I want to share with you what I discovered through my verse for last year. While working through interpersonal and situational issues, God gave me the verse, “Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 31:24).
I decided to be intentional in keeping this
verse in mind. I began a new process of reviewing every month
my experiences and growth. I summarized discoveries and scriptures to
understand more clearly what God was doing in and through me.
Then towards the end of 2019, I read both my journal and
summary notes. This was an important step, because in the rear-view mirror of the year, I discovered that God was doing a larger
and deeper work in me. Patiently step by step, He guided me in ways I didn’t always
see at the time.
From There to
Here: Discoveries
Receiving an instruction and a promise: My verse came in two parts—I was to work
at becoming strong, and God promised to
give me strength, wisdom, and insight. Throughout the year He also stepped in
with many encouraging words and promises.
Waiting on God: It took time, concentrated prayer and
journalling to discern what was askew and to absorb what God was teaching me. I
needed to wait in God’s presence. God was working in me to develop my character
and maturity, to sink my roots deeper into God, and to find Him in the broken
places of my life. I was amazed to discover just how specific and detailed were
God’s solutions, solutions that had previously eluded me.
Focusing on God instead of my worries: In October I visited persecuted believers
in Egypt. They reminded me how important it is to look to Jesus. “The enemy
wants us to live in fear,” one leader told our group. “We focus instead, not on
the persecution, but on our Faithful Father.” They were enthusiastic about
God’s vision for their lives and ministry and what God was doing, rather than
their persecution. What a wonderful model for me!
Forgiveness: How well I remember David Jeremiah’s
words, “Forgiveness is always our turn.” As an important component of
developing strength, extending forgiveness to others is becoming part of my prayer
time. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.
Intercession: I discovered deeper lessons in
interceding for persons and situations, and appreciated how much the Spirit
intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray.
Helps to others: Towards the end of the year, others
began asking me for advice in the particular areas I had struggled with. God
does extend our struggles into ministry to others.
Gratitude: I look back in gratitude for this
year. I have seen God do what seemed impossible, and this leads me into my
words for 2020:
God is the Lord of the Impossible.
 |
| Image by Quotefancy |
I include with a prayer, which includes
my prayer for you:
Dear Father, I invite you into my word or
verse for the year. I long to accomplish Your plans and purposes for me. Shine Your light into what You want me to do and accomplish this year in both my life and writing. Build my faith
to: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God” (William
Carey). As I thank you in advance, I will give You my praise. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
