My Word for the Year
In recent years, I have noticed the practice of choosing “a word of the year.” A variety of linguists and diverse organizations look back upon the previous year, and each selects a word that best reflects the predominant social or political issues they observed. Most often I am less than encouraged to be reminded of our culture’s preoccupations and agendas.
I have also noticed the practice of choosing a word for the year. Rather than looking back and assessing, those who choose such a word look forward with a specific aspiration. I love fresh starts and a posture of expectancy, so I find this practice much more inspirational and helpful.
Therefore, I have chosen my word for the year 2020: persevere.
Persevere
In fall 2019, our small group read through the New Testament in eight weeks, using the Community Bible Experience curriculum. While it was challenging to find the time to read and absorb large portions of Scripture daily, I appreciated the broad perspective I began to develop as I noticed recurring themes. One that resonated strongly with me was perseverance. Over the past several weeks, I have taken time to consider what God might want to reveal and how He might want to inform my understanding of what perseverance could look like in my life. This is what I have discovered.
Phrases such as “don’t give up” and “don’t shrink back” encourage me. I don’t want to give in to despair or lose ground in my journey with Jesus and others. I want to keep looking and moving forward, holding on to the good news of the gospel in my daily life. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus also declares that in Him I may have peace. (See John 16:33.)
So, what will perseverance look like for me? Where do I begin? I have set before me the positive, active statements found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
I am also taking a fresh look at the life of Moses, particularly the years he led God’s people in their wilderness wanderings. I have been inspired by Moses’ bold statements to God, which include, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you” and “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:13,15). . .which leads me to the gentle reminder that accompanies the call to persevere.
Draw Near
I cannot persevere without the regular counsel of Scripture and the active presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. Jesus clearly invites us to come to Him in our weakness and inability (see Matthew 11:28–29). Each day, we have opportunity to receive from Jesus what we need. I most often find myself asking for His love, joy, and peace as I navigate the frustrations and uncertainties of daily life. I do not need to manufacture strength, courage, or goodness from my own resources. Draw near, admit your need, and receive. I can persevere as I draw near. When I remember that I am not alone in this journey, when I remember that Jesus walks with me, when I practice the disciplines of reading His Word and talking to Him in prayer, my heart is encouraged, and my resolve is strengthened. I am never alone. Scripture declares that God is working in me, giving me both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him (see Philippians 2:13).
We are entering 2020 with some distinct challenges. The ministry of Alliance Women is still in transition—we have been set free from outdated structure and practices and have been given the opportunity to explore what God has for us next. But we also find ourselves still awaiting clarity and direction as we experience a bit of our own “wilderness wanderings.”
This is the nature of transitions. Let’s be patient with each other and persevere. Together, let’s look to the One who has promised to never leave us and say, like Moses, “Teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.”
Let’s persevere, draw near, and receive from Him all that we need for 2020. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
