“No, do not be afraid of those nations, for the Lord your God is among you, and he is a great and awesome God.” Deuteronomy 7:21 (NLT)
At the beginning of each year, I ask Jesus to give me a specific word on which to focus for the next twelve months.
One year He gave me “joy.” Apparently He knew I’d need it because less than two weeks later I ruptured an Achilles tendon. Nine days after that, I suffered a knee injury on the opposite leg and thus lost mobility for three months. Shingles hit me two weeks after I started walking again. Later that year, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. Learning to choose joy despite difficulties was a lifesaver for me.
Last year He gave me “deeper.” He used a difficult family relationship to peel me like a human onion, but the experience—albeit more painful than I could have imagined—catapulted me into a more intimate walk with Him.
This year’s word is “great.” I have no idea how Jesus will use it to accomplish His purposes in and through my life, but I anticipate good things—not necessarily easy, but rich in life lessons.
Spiritual writer and pastor Jack Hayford said, “We have a great Savior. Therefore, we are encouraged to expect great victories, knowing that great battles are necessary for conquest, but confident because He is leading us.” I posted this quote on my fridge where I’ll see it often. It fills me with hope and courage for whatever the next twelve months hold.
FAITH STEP: Write Pastor Hayford’s quote on a recipe card and post it on your fridge. Ask Jesus to reveal His greatness to you and to your loved ones.
