Over the last few years, my new year has begun the same way: God gives me a new scripture to focus on and on the first of January, I answer the same set of questions in my journal. I look forward to these questions in the same way that I greet a dear friend; ready to ponder not only the newness of a fresh start but the bold anticipation of what my dear friend and Savior Jesus, have in store for me this year.
Here is an example of the questions and the first one I answer:
What is my one prayer for this year that seems impossible, knowing that “nothing is impossible with God”?
Last year, on January 1st, 2019, I stepped out boldly in my prayer to God, and you know what?! He answered my prayer in His timing, towards the end of the year, AND it is continuing to unfold!! I am so excited to see all that He has in store through this answered prayer as I continue to rest and wait on Him. Praise God!!
I honestly believe that stepping out boldly and completely giving this “impossible” prayer to Him, allowed me to surrender ALL to His will and allowed me to rest and wait.
The more I do this, as hard as it is for my flesh, the more joy and peace I have in the midst of each difficulty. The Bible says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. Amen!
Maybe one day I will share the prayer that I spoke about above, but for now, I’m going to change gears and share the details of the scripture the LORD chose for me to focus on for 2020 and a little bit about why it is so profound to me.
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On December 31, 2019, I was reading my bible and spending time in my writing room with God, focusing on His Word. I was reading a chapter in the book of Psalms when this scripture jumped out at me:
If the LORD delights in a man’s way,
He makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
I KNEW, without a doubt, that THIS was my scripture for 2020. I immediately wrote it down on a card and put it in the same spot on my desk where last year’s scripture was placed. I will meditate on it all year.
Next, I asked the Holy Spirit to share with me the significance of God’s Word and to share what He would have me learn from it.
Immediately, my mind went back to the difficulties and bedrest the Lord had me on– off and on–over the last several weeks of this year. These “stumbles and bumps in the road” caused by migraines and sinus infections, caused me to miss out on opportunities in writing and church activities because of severe vertigo, blurred vision, and headaches that only medication and bedrest could relieve.
BUT through it ALL, I knew God was holding me by my right hand AND I trust Him through all of it!!
Was it easy?! NO! My flesh kept reminding me what I was missing out on and how I was missing deadlines in writing and not keeping up with what I set out to do etc….
But, I was sleeping and resting in God and that is where He wanted me to be or I wouldn’t have been there, right?!
So, during my convalescence, I prayed, worshipped, and rested joyfully in the LORD knowing that He is still at work and everything I go through He can use for His Glory!!!
This brings me to the next revelation that the Holy Spirit revealed to me in regard to Psalm 37: 23-24.
Last March, at our annual ladies’ retreat, God revealed, through a prayer I received over me from our Pastor’s wife, that “If I get weary or out of step, get back in line.”
During the weeks I was dealing with these migraines and sinus infections, I was especially weary about my writing. I felt like I had to keep on my writing schedule or I would be failing at what I believe is the call God has placed in my life. I don’t want to let HIM down, but how can you write when you can’t read?! My eyes were so bad!
So I turned back to this journal entry and the prayer dated March 23rd, 2019. These were the words that Kim Price, our Pastor’s wife, spoke to me:
I have a call on my life. Be obedient. Keep my eyes on God. Trust Him. If I get weary or get out of step, get right back in line.
These words were so strong in my heart and in prayer for me, that I immediately wrote them down when I returned to my seat. There was more to the prayer, but the other details are resting between me and God.
During the last few days, when the Holy Spirit revealed this scripture to me and some of the details behind it, it gave me a completely different perspective of what I had been going through with my illness.
It reminded me that: I need to keep obedient to God and let Him direct my steps. I need not worry about anyone else’s standards of failure if I am being true to what He is calling me to do each day.
I need to begin my day with Him and ask Him, what to focus on. He will never steer me wrong when I place Him first!
In conclusion, I know we live in a Fallen world. Bumps in the road will happen and I may stumble. But, I will continue to hold THE steady hand of the One Who holds my calling, my days, and my life–the LORD my God. Amen!
All the Glory to God,
Shanon
Image of Psalm 37: 23-24 by Heartlight. “God directs and restores Godly people.” Heartlight Gallery.
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