Friday, January 15, 2016

What's Your Focus Word for 2016?



My Focus Word for 2016 - Courage

Each year I pray for the Lord to show me a special character quality I need to work on the most for the coming year.  The word courage continues to come through my prayers and bible reading.  

Some family members and friends believe I am already courageous – fighting lupus and other life threatening diseases for over 20 years; having gastric bypass and another surgery these past few years; coping with my husband having two spinal surgeries and consequently disabled unable to work with more surgeries in the future; and living day by day through faith that our Lord will supply all our needs.  But in all honesty, I do not feel courageous at all!  

I fight insecurities – sometimes on a regular basis.  I fight the lies of Satan who whispers in my head that “I am worthless,” “I can’t____,” or “too ______……” well you know the lies we sometimes believe.  So when the Lord calls/leads me to guide a bible study, support group, write a book, or speak to a group; I make my list of excuses.  Even with the surgeries I have been through, I find myself dragging my feet (or knees) to have knee replacement surgery.  Just the thought of it right now give me the chills!  

Recently I read a quote by an unknown author, “Courage is about perseverance, not bravery.  Be courageous regardless of the fear.” 

So this year I will persevere regardless of my fears because my Lord and Savior continues to remind me that I am to be strong and courageous because He is with me wherever I go and whatever I do (Joshua 1:9).  He also reminds me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).  That He has special plans for my welfare to give me a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). 

So this year I will diligently work on my focus word – Courage – What’s your focus word for 2016? 

2 comments:

Kim Jolly said...

I love the word the Lord gave you for the year. My word is abide. Abide in Jesus...praying this will be exactly what I need to be prepared for the persecution that will come at some point.

Blessings!

Kim

Rilda said...

Your word made me think of the serenity prayer, The courage to change the things that I can. Thanks for sharing! My word for 2016 is Faith. Seeing those things that are not as though they are. It is an opportunity to create my life in my imagination that I want to experience with all that has been stolen restored. Our miracles are so near as I see me reaching out and touching them to bring me into wholeness.
Sending a (Hug) as you also receive your highest good!