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

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Linking up with: #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #ChasingCommunity, Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith 'n Friends, #GraceMoments, Inspire Me Monday, The Consilium