In early 2015, my dear friend, Marcia, had put together a Christian women’s retreat called Soul Spa. It was a day where women could come together, pray, sing, worship, and enjoy some time alone with God. It was a beautiful day and I was able to meet so many wonderful women.
At this retreat, she encouraged us to pray for a word of meaning for the year. Some people will look back on a year and give it a descriptive word that sums up the occurrences. However, if we pray for God to provide us a word, we will be more present, more tuned in when God is showing us what His plans are for our lives.
In 2015, my word was “Growth“. If you know my story, you know how that word truly described 2015. And, when opportunities arose, I would pray for direction and often see the word “Growth” come to mind. In 2015, I left Pfizer after 16+ years, published a book, An Everyday Miracle, and took on some consulting projects. It was definitely a year of spiritual, personal and professional growth.
As I prayed for a word for 2016, God told me I wasn’t done with “Growth” yet. And, I wasn’t. In February, I accepted a position at Roche Diagnostics. In June, I took on an expanded role where I had the opportunity to make even a greater impact on the organization. I also had the opportunity to share our personal story on a few Christian television networks and with my dear friend Jessie at our Radical Joy women’s retreats. This has been another amazing year full of spiritual, personal and professional growth.
So, what about 2017? What is God showing me for this next year?
My word is “Purpose.”
While I have been doing a great job “growing” these past two years, I need to ensure I am growing closer to God’s purpose for my life. He has placed each of us on this Earth at this very time for a purpose. He has equipped each of us with specific skills and talents so that we can fulfill that purpose. And, He has given us His Great Commission:
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This word had even greater meaning when my dear friend Jessie prayed for a Bible verse for me and this is the one that God gave to her:
2 Thessalonians 1:10-12 (ESV)
…when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
So, I now encourage you. Take some time and pray for God to provide you a word. Not a word to describe 2016, rather a word to describe His plans for you in 2017. A word to pray upon during the year to help guide you and direct you. A word specifically chosen for You, by Him!
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today in Thanksgiving. I am so very thankful for all You have done and continue to do in our lives. I thank You for all of the blessings. And, I thank You for all of the challenges. For I know that through those challenges and in my weakness others will see Your strength!
Father, I ask that You continue to help me see the plans You have for me. I ask that You help me to live this year of purpose and a life according to Your purpose. And, I pray You provide others the word that will help direct and guide them to the plans You have for their lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!
