Welcome to 2017.
Several people have announced their "word for the year". I didn't know this was a "thing", so I haven't chosen a word, but if I did, it would be Jesus.
This year, I want more Jesus. To follow more faithfully. To see Him work in more lives. To experience more grace. To love more extravagantly.
To have more Jesus, there will have to be less Leanna. Less pride. Less selfishness. Less whining. Less grumbling.
My 2017: Less me. More Him.
It doesn't seem possible that I can make those changes, but I found a beautiful word from God in Haggai that's a game-changer.
The number of people who'd returned from captivity to Jerusalem was pitifully low. Rebuilding the temple was too much for them, and they had given up. The temple construction project was untouched for years.
Finally, God spoke into the situation and gave them the word they most needed. It's the one we most need, too.
"'Take courage... and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of Hosts."
Haggai 2:4 nasb
"I am with you." We're not alone in the work that needs to be done. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, our Helper, is with us.
The One who created the heavens and the earth by speaking them into existence is with us. He made rhinos and rabbits, whales and waterfalls. He can handle whatever we face in 2017.
There will be changes and challenges this year. Not everything that happens will be what we consider "good", but none of the hard times will be wasted. None of it will be faced alone, no matter how lonely we feel.
Take courage, friends. God is with us, and we are not alone.
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Do you have a "word" for 2017? Comment below.
Thanks to all who participated in the 2016 blog countdown. I'm stunned by the number of people who read all seven posts! What a great finish to 2016!
#Jesus #2017
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