Have you struggled with your My One Word this year?
Have you thought about abandoning it?
You’re not alone … I have too.
At the beginning of this year I prayed long and hard about My One Word for 2014. I really struggled with what to choose. Selecting a word to focus on in previous years had been much easier. For some reason the 2014 word was just not coming to me. After a few weeks, I finally settled in on the word REFLECT.
In 2 Corinthians 3:18 the Apostle Paul writes, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
My focus has been to REFLECT the character and nature of Jesus in everything I do and say.
Easier said than done.
Just as choosing My One Word for 2014 was a challenge, living with it over the course of the year has been equally challenging. At times, it’s been hard in my marriage, with my kids, in church leadership, and in friendships too. There have been many moments where I’ve thought about abandoning my word and waiting for 2015 to roll around so that I could hit the “reset” button and pick a new word. However, I’ve chosen instead to live in the tension.
In a recent time of prayer, God reminded me that when you get serious about pursuing His nature you should expect to experience some opposition. We’re told in Ephesians 6:12 that, “We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Our flesh and our habits are not the only things pushing against our spiritual formation.
BOTTOM LINE: WHEN YOU PURSUE GOD YOU SHOULD EXPECT RESISTANCE – THOUGH NOT FROM HIM.
What kind of resistance have you experienced this year with your One Word? Have you chosen to live in the tension and let the resistance make you stronger? There are just a couple of weeks left to live with your One Word for 2014. Don’t give up! Stick with it and finish strong.
Trust that God still wants to reveal areas of your character that need His transformation through your My One Word. Embrace the tension. Push past the resistance, remembering that resistance ultimately builds strength.
***(This post was originally written for the My One Word Blog. Thanks so much Rachel Olsen for editing and helping me make it better!)
What a blessing yesterday was for me. I can’t wait to get involved and choose my one word
Edward. I’m so thrilled that you are on this journey with us! I appreciate you my friend!
Thank you so much for posting this–you have no idea how timely this was! I have been experiencing incredible trials and tribulations with my one word this year and to be quite frank, even considered recalibrating myself AND my one word over and over throughout the year. For whatever reason, there was this inner nagging voice that resisted the temptation to start over and I am hanging on desperately. I refuse to give up or give in although I feel somewhat battered with my one word choice. I know God has a plan. I will trust in Him. Respectfully request prayers to press forward with these remaining days for a strong finish!
Thank you again.
Melissa Walker
Melissa,
Thank you so much for sharing that! God will honor your commitment and perseverance! I appreciate you guys and am praying for you.