Our Word for 2018

           At the beginning of each year, we prayed about the word that will help to define the year.  This year is no exception.  What word will God give you to help you define 2018? 

            For me, the word came early in December.  Then it popped back up in a God way the other day while I was listening to music.  My word for my 2018 is perseverance.  In looking at the definition, I realized how appropriate this word is for me during this time.

The definition in Google is the following.  This year will be, for me to be steadfast in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. This is something I need in a lot of areas in my life, personally and professionally.  How it will manifest itself in my life, I am going to enjoy finding out.

Each year, I have an expectation of what the word will mean for my life.  Yet, I am sure that God is shaking His head at me and just saying, “Laura, you have no idea what I will show you, but soon, you will see.”

            This year, I have made resolutions, and goals, like most of us do.  I don’t want to just sit back and watch my life not happen in front of my eyes.  Yet, there are areas that I do need to be steadfast, because I see the difficulties.  Sometimes they seem insurmountable.

            God will teach me to persevere with Him.  At least, that is what I need for Him to do.  I am not patient, and if something doesn’t go according to how I plan, I give up, or blame God, myself, whoever for it not going how I thought it would go.

            This year, it appears, that God wants me to remember that nothing is impossible for him.  His love is steadfast.  His is perseverance.  Especially, when it comes to me.  I know that I can be difficult at times, but I am so grateful that He is perseverance.

            I get in my own way sometimes.  There are times that I try and move ahead of God, and then I wonder why things are difficult or there are “delays” in achieving success.  When, actually, it is not delayed by God’s timing, and I cause it to be more difficult.

            I pray that all of you find your word for the year.  Pray this month that God will reveal it to you.  It will come, and you will know that it is for you.  Find your word.

            This is year four that we have been doing this.  Every January, we pray for our word for the year.  I wrote my down, and I see a pattern of growth in God, and in my self.

Photo by alexander milo on Unsplash

My words by year:

2015 – Trust

2016 – Confidence

2017 – Openness

2018 - Perseverance

Dear Lord, I pray for each person reading this blog.  May they find their word for the year.  You want to walk beside each one of us, if only we will let you.  No matter what has happened or what we have done. You have never stopped loving us.  As this new year begins, I pray a revival in our hearts. 

In Your name, Amen

Laura Maxson