I've been asking God what my One Word for 2018 will be, but
haven't heard an answer yet. Sometimes I don't feel a word impressed upon me
until close to New Year's, so I'm not worried.
The truth is, I don't want to my year with the word Called to end yet. I don't want to start thinking about my next word and waste my last few days of being Called.
But as I think about this past year, I wonder if I've done enough.
When I first settled on the word Called at the end of last year, I felt moved by how God called Moses by name. And by how He calls us by name.
I was excited. I dreamed of plans I would make and things I would accomplish.
But instead, I started projects I didn't finish. If I dwell on it too long, I feel discouraged and disappointed.
I feel like I haven't done enough in my year of being called. And then I realized maybe God wasn't calling me to what I was dreaming. At least not in 2017.
Instead, He called me to a year deeper and harder than I could have imagined, and I'm glad He didn't share those details with me in January.
If I had known, I might have tried to prepare myself. But not knowing left me no choice but to depend on Him every. single. day.
I still felt Him calling me, but I was constantly unsure of where we were going or what was coming next.
Not knowing can be unsettling, but at the same time, it's where I learn the most.
It's where I learn to listen for Him, and to discern between what He's moving me to or what I'm trying to make happen.
It's where I learn that just because I don't understand the how, why or when doesn't mean He's not at work in places I can't see. {Tweet this}
It's where I learn to wait and be still, and then to move when He says move.
It's where I learn that there is beauty in the valley, and to see His blessings in the midst of difficulties.
Unfulfilled plans on my part, does not mean I've wasted the year. It just means that God had different plans, and His plans happen in His time.
If my dreams and plans fit into His big picture, then they will happen, no matter what year it is, or what my One Word is. In the meantime, I'm growing and learning with Him.
Being called by God is not a one-year commitment, but a life-long opportunity, no matter what my days look like. {Tweet this}
The truth is, I don't want to my year with the word Called to end yet. I don't want to start thinking about my next word and waste my last few days of being Called.
But as I think about this past year, I wonder if I've done enough.
When I first settled on the word Called at the end of last year, I felt moved by how God called Moses by name. And by how He calls us by name.
I was excited. I dreamed of plans I would make and things I would accomplish.
But instead, I started projects I didn't finish. If I dwell on it too long, I feel discouraged and disappointed.
I feel like I haven't done enough in my year of being called. And then I realized maybe God wasn't calling me to what I was dreaming. At least not in 2017.
Instead, He called me to a year deeper and harder than I could have imagined, and I'm glad He didn't share those details with me in January.
If I had known, I might have tried to prepare myself. But not knowing left me no choice but to depend on Him every. single. day.
I still felt Him calling me, but I was constantly unsure of where we were going or what was coming next.
Not knowing can be unsettling, but at the same time, it's where I learn the most.
It's where I learn to listen for Him, and to discern between what He's moving me to or what I'm trying to make happen.
It's where I learn that just because I don't understand the how, why or when doesn't mean He's not at work in places I can't see. {Tweet this}
It's where I learn to wait and be still, and then to move when He says move.
It's where I learn that there is beauty in the valley, and to see His blessings in the midst of difficulties.
Unfulfilled plans on my part, does not mean I've wasted the year. It just means that God had different plans, and His plans happen in His time.
If my dreams and plans fit into His big picture, then they will happen, no matter what year it is, or what my One Word is. In the meantime, I'm growing and learning with Him.
Being called by God is not a one-year commitment, but a life-long opportunity, no matter what my days look like. {Tweet this}
From
my family to yours,
Merry
Christmas!
In
Christ,
Linking up with: Spiritual Sundays, Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth, #gracemoments, #FaithonFire, #ChasingCommunity, Thankful & Grateful Thursday, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, #porchstories, #TeaAndWord, Faith Filled Friday, #DreamTogether
It is incredible when we look back on a previous year, seeing all the things that happened, things we could never have predicted. God is wise not to show us all that up front. :) Walking it out one day at a time is all we can handle. I haven't decided for sure on my One Word 2018 either. God will give it to us in due time. Have a blessed Christmas, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI've decided not to choose a word this year. Even if I feel god impressing one. I haven't been able to do them much justice over the last few years. I will look forward to the revealing of your One Word.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you in seeking next year's word while hanging onto the loveliness of "Standing." I could never have predicted all the challenges this year would bring when the word chose me back in January, but I'm really enjoying this pondering process.
ReplyDeleteIt will be fun when everyone starts sharing their 2018 focus!
Laura, ((hug)). Such a sweet revelation the Lord's given you in the twilight of this year. Thank you for sharing it. Advent blessings to you. ((hug))
ReplyDeleteLaura, I deeply resonate with your words! I'm in an interesting season of sensing a calling but waiting for it to come to fruition. God has generally been gracious and given me a short glimpse into what our future might hold, but I can honestly say that I have no idea how the next few months will unfold. What a thrilling and terrifying journey it is to surrender our control and lean into God with a trusting heart! May you sense his blessing and presence as you dive into 2018, receiving it all as grace!
ReplyDeletesometimes we mix up the meaning of 'called.' It doesn't always mean 'arrival.' Called just means willing to go. And sometimes our journey of being called can last a long, long time without really seeing the culmination of our efforts. Kind of like David and the temple. He was called to be a part of bringing it to existence, but never actually got to build it. Doesn't mean what he did wasn't important even though he only got to help with preparations. Most of the time we need to just do what is in front of us and leave outcome to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI agree, not knowing can be really unsettling but it's where we learn to depend on God each day. Thanks for sharing part of your journey- it encouraged me today in the midst of some uncertainty that I am facing.
ReplyDelete