WHAT IS YOUR WORD FOR 2018?
By Carolyn Dale Newell
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV
My word is faith, and it did not take God long to reveal it to me. For several years, I have listened as friends talked about the word God gave them for a particular year. Everything in their life revolved around that one word. I never asked God for a word of the year until now. The last three years had definite words to describe them. In 2018, I plan to get in on it from the beginning.
Believe was my word in 2015 as God taught me to believe for a remarkable improvement in my sight. The last two years were characterized by independence as the flood gates to independent travel have burst open with Iva, my guide dog.
Faith is an awesome gift from God, but increasing faith comes through growing pains. The dread of some horrible trial lingers in the back of my mind. I might have to traverse stormy waters I do not want to travel, but that is when faith grows.
We navigate turbulent seas trusting in God. His plans, His provision, and His guidance.
Faith, Freedom and Four Paws will release in 2018, Lord willing. Of course, my word is faith. It appears in the title of my next book.
Already, I see lessons in faith beginning. I must trust God as I have to deal with some hard-to-deal-with people. We all face struggles. We trust God in the little things just as much as we trust Him in the larger matters of life. Faith.
What is your word for 2018? Maybe this is a foreign concept to you. Maybe, you are considering giving it a try, or it is already your annual tradition.
Ask God to reveal His word for the new year. Keep praying until you have an answer. We ask, seek, and knock.
Perhaps, you are a baby Christian, and you are not clear about God’s direction for your life. The only way you will come to know God’s voice is to know His voice. Not an audible voice, but a definite impression. I recently heard Wendy Pope say that we know the voices of our loved ones because we talk to them regularly. She explained how the same holds true with the voice of God. Pray often, and familiarize yourself with the Father’s voice. Likely, it is the one speaking something you would never suggest on your own.
Whether you begin the new year with a word or not, I pray it will be a blessed year. I pray the journeys of faith we take will bring us closer to Jesus. I pray we will grow in grace and knowledge. I hope we will pray more and guard our Bible time with God. Happy New Year and be blessed!
Lord Jesus, Help us through 2018. May we worship more and worry less. May we praise rather than pout. May we trust You in every trial. May You guard and protect us. Honor, and glory are Yours! Thank You, sweet Jesus, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Hebrews 11, known as the heroes of faith.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Please share in the comments your word for 2018 and any New Year’s resolutions. My resolution is to get uncluttered and get organized.
Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 