My One Word 2017

Early in December I started praying, asking God what my One Word for 2017 would be. I listened and watched for anything He might show me.

Joy was a common theme. It seemed like I was seeing it everywhere. So, I wondered...maybe it's Joy.

Although, it's possible I was just desperate for an uplifting word. After all, my word for 2016 was Persevere. And let me tell you...It. Was. Hard.

Joy sounded positive and happy. I was ready for joy. But, it didn't feel quite right. I felt like I was jumping on to the Joy bandwagon. So, I waited...and kept asking.

Then, several days before Christmas I turned to the book of Exodus to read again about Moses and the burning bush.
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:2-4 NIV
I've read these verses so many times, and yet I was drawn to them. (I love how God will get my attention when He wants to.)

I was reminded that God calls me by name, just like He did Moses. And just like He calls you. {Tweet this}

I was so captured by this fact, I posted this in a Facebook group.
"Went from Kelly's book (Fear Fighting) to Exodus to reread of the burning bush and holy ground this morning...and God caught my attention with this...God called to Moses BY NAME. Just like Moses, God knows and acknowledges each of us BY NAME. We're not just another one of His children, He knows each of us individually BY NAME. I wonder if we forget that sometimes.”
I continued to think about it for days and pondered the ways in which God calls us.

We are called by name for His purpose.

We are called to be who He designed us to be, not a copycat of someone else.

We are called to persevere.

We are called to joy.


My One Word for 2017? 

Called.

It feels right to me. It may not be easy, but maybe that's the point. If it were easy, it wouldn't be much of a focus. {Tweet this}

Maybe it's just me, but Called feels uplifting (just what I was hoping for!), and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me. 

Do you choose One Word to focus on each year? If so, what is your word for 2017, and how do you feel about it?

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

23 comments:

  1. Hi Laura! We're neighbors today on a few different link-ups. Thank you for sharing. This is a great reminder as we start out 2017. Blessings to you!

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  2. The word "standing" (Romans 5:2) seems to have chosen me this year. Looking forward to all that it will teach me!

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  3. Thanks for the reminder from exodus. It'll be interesting to see where that word takes you. Sounds like an adventure

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  4. "Audacious" was the word I felt the Lord putting before me.In my opinion, none of our words are ever easy. But then, maybe that is the point. God wants us to be stretched and grow in the area He is focusing on. It is exciting to see where this new year will take us. Blessings!

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  5. This is my first year to start the year with a word I'm claiming. Other years, I've settled on one or on an overarching theme as the year progressed. This year my focus and thoughts landed on Steadfast.

    Blessed 2017!

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  6. What a powerful One Word, Laura. I love Called. It should prove to be quite an interesting year ahead! :)

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  7. I love hearing other people's words and Called is wonderful My word this year is attentive/attentiveness. Will be fun to see what God will do with these divine threads in our lives.

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  8. Laura, I love your word! I don't think I've ever heard that one before. I can't wait to see how it plays out in your year and hear an update at the end of the year. :) Thank you for joining the fun at the #ChasingCommunity linkup launch! So great to have you along for the ride. :) ((hug))

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  9. I'm liking your word! :)
    My synonyms for the year are dwell/abide.
    Dwell in Him.
    Abide in Him.
    The Lord has been speaking this to me for some time.
    For a partial explanation please see:
    https://plantedbylivingwater.wordpress.com/2016/12/28/push-buttons-power-sources-and-prayer/

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  10. My word for 2017 is “Let Go.” God is teaching me that I am constantly grasping for control over all the things. I’m in a season and place where God is giving me little control over nothing and it has been frustrating. He is also giving me a growing list of things to “let go” of.

    Visiting from Coffee For Your Heart.

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    1. Hi Deanna, Let Go was my word in 2014, and it truly was a year of letting go of what I was used to. What was normal was turned upside down. But then, with God's help, I got used to a new normal. Thank you for sharing where God is leading you this year.

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  11. What a beautifully written and honest post, Laura! I just love this >> "We are called by name for His purpose. We are called to be who He designed us to be, not a copycat of someone else." Amen, amen, amen. Wishing you many blessings in 2017!

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  12. Love how you found your word in a scripture passage. The one word challenge is a spiritual exercise that has helped me grow. My word is attentive. May 2017 be blessed as you learn more about God's call on your life.

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  13. This message was perfect for me today! Yes, this is the word for me for 2017 too! Great choice!
    Sherry

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  14. Love this post Laura and how you let God choose the word for you. It is easy to jump ahead of Him or seek out a word we want. I am looking forward to reading how His word for you manifests itself in the New Year. Blessings to you and yours in 2017.

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  15. A blessed, yet challenging word, Laura! Looking forward to seeing what He calls you to in 2017!

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  16. Called is a great uplifting word. I'm sure it will help you focus on what you were called to do. Happy new year!

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  17. Blessings to you in the New Year, and throughout your journey of the word "calling." I love the process of embracing and learning life through the eyes of a specific word that He reveals so much through. Happy Monday! Visiting from the Inspire Me Monday link up!
    Megs
    Http://sunnyand80.org

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  18. I agree that "called" is an uplifting word. Can you imagine God speaking your name? Wow. I chose SHINE as my word, to shine for Jesus this year. Visiting from the Inspire Me Monday link up.

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  19. This is a powerful post, Laura. Thank you for sharing.

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  20. Beautiful! I pray that God uses the word to teach and use you throughout this year. Mine is 'hunger'--I want to hunger God above all else.

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  21. Laura you are a steady and strong pesence, and in the time I've been reading your blog, this seems like such a perfect word for you! Can't wait to hear how God works this year:)

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  22. Hi Laura,

    So glad to see you at the #GraceMoments Link up. Thanks for sharing this. I have always enjoyed the process of seeking the LORD for that one word to focus on. And you are right, sometimes they are really hard to get through. That is also, sometimes, a hesitation I have. :) But truthfully, I am also always so blessed by the way He leads me to look deeper at what He has, ways He is teaching and leading us I love how you expanded this word and reminded us all that we are called by name by the ONE who is the Name above all names.

    Blessings to you!
    Dawn

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