One Word
2018 has been an incredible year. In May I turned 40 years of age, and yes, it was fabulous! Then, in August, I celebrated 20 years of me choosing to follow Jesus. What a growth journey the Lord has taken me through, which is why I call it my 40/20 year. Before 2018 began, I chose my one word for the year, knowing the significance it would hold for me while having the awareness that it may be a challenge to live out. I asked the Lord for a word that would bring meaning to the year and deep growth in me. Side note: one word is a yearly challenge to choose a word that brings focus and direction for the 365 days ahead.
While reading through the books of John (the gospel of John and John 1, 2, and 3)one word continued to stand out to me: REMAIN. The focal scripture—the one that anchored in my spirit—is John 15:5, which says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me” (CSV).
For me, this means remaining in Him in every situation, whether a situation is frustrating or exciting. Even if a situation is an emotional setback, I must remember to remain in Him before my emotions take over. Just REMAIN. I have prayed continuously that the awareness of remaining would bring me the strength, stability and maturity that a woman of God should have. I’m definitely not the 40-year-old woman I thought a 40-year-old woman is supposed to be, having it all figured out. Nope, I’m the 40-year-old who’s still learning every day. The woman who still has to remind herself to walk in the fullness of who God made her to be. Some days are easier than others when it comes to living out what God made me to be, but I’m learning to give myself more grace. #remainingrace
The ways in which God has shown me, grown me, and taught me this year is beyond belief. He has given me plenty of opportunities to remain. Sometimes I missed those opportunities. Something I’ve learned in living out my one word is that the fullness of the word often isn’t realized until after the year is over. When you step back to reflect, like after a test you go over it again to check your answers, that’s when the lesson is actually learned. He’s shown me areas I need to allow Him to prune. Cutting away fear, comparison, and self-focus. Opening my eyes to teach me that I really can do all things through Him when I choose to receive His strength, and not operate on my own. #remainteachable
There were a couple of exciting opportunities He entrusted me with this year that were pregnant with possibilities (not babies). For starters, I was able to go on my first mission trip in July to Costa Rica. It was amazing, eye opening, and developed a new depth inside of me. One other step of faith was me going back to college! Who knows where a degree will lead, but I’ve always wanted that paper accomplishment! #remainadventurous
With all that said about my year, I pray that this tiny testimony encourages your heart. Remember, age is no limit, and fear holds no bounds on a woman of God. What will your one word be this year? A child-like faith can make a big difference in your own 365 days of yearly living and walking with Jesus. #remaininHim