Persevere [One Word 2013]

Persevere: There really was no choice. I have many words I need to apply to my life in 2013, but only one could be the one. The one I focus on throughout the year. The one I pray about unceasingly and strive for diligently.

Persevere had to be the one word for me this year because it is just too easy to quit!

Totally Inadequate

In the latter half of 2011, I had committed to following a path that scared, no terrified, me: to share inspirational thoughts with an audience. To write and perhaps speak encouragement into other’s lives.

Have you ever found yourself knowing you were supposed to do something, yet feeling totally inadequate?

That was me. So it was a given, my 2012 one word couldn’t be anything but boldness (click here to read last year’s one word post). Boldness in stepping out in faith and in believing God would be faithful to provide the words when I had none. Boldness to stand up to my fear.

Praise God, He did–and so I did!

Persevere

But, apparently, God doesn’t believe in patting me on the head, saying “good job,” and letting me go back to an easy life of coasting after one year of boldness for Him.

He isn’t done with me yet. I know it. And, again, it excites and terrifies me. He wants more. He wants all.

The Lord wants my obedience. He wants my time, my talents, and my possessions. He wants me to shine the light on Him. Always. Whether I’m comfortable doing so or not. He wants the same for you, too.

But this takes perseverance. It requires persistence and a commitment to remain steadfast. Yet there are times I feel so weak and wore down.  I don’t have the words to say or the energy to write. I have the urge to crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head, and stay there for, oh, say a week or two.

Wouldn’t it be easier to just let someone else do it?

Do you know the feeling?

Do Hard – if that’s what it takes

But He has a different plan for someone else—a unique plan for each of us—and this is His plan for me. And so this year I will pray for the strength to persevere: to stay the course, continue the race He has set before me, overcome the temptation to quit.

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Because the Triune God did “hard” in the ultimate sacrifice of the Savior to secure the crown of life for me, I can take on a little hard to proclaim His glory. And it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that I will do just that.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Reflections: Have you felt weary on your life’s journey? What one word can you claim and focus on this year to help you stay on the Lord’s path for your life?

(If you have your one word, register it at My One Word to connect with others who share your word choice and get encouragement. Or write a post about it and link up with others at One Word 365 and Only a Breath. A huge thank you to Melanie at Only a Breath for designing the beautiful one word button!)

Linking with Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience in 2013 for my Joy Dare list  for Multitude Mondays (#1287–1350, read them all by clicking here):

• Twinkling Christmas lights; Rachel’s joy as she plays with her brothers; Warm salmon chowder on a cool winter day
• Contagious joy; Miniature red, green, & gold Christmas ornaments & bows; Outpouring of love in aftermath of tragedy
• Snug & warm in the midst of a blizzard; Light shimmering thru swirling, blowing snow; Day of “hanging w/ my oldest
• Ice crystals on the windows–beautiful!; Adventurous traipsing through deep snowdrifts; Nerf gun war with the boys
• Day of games and snow fort building; Uniquely sculpted windblown snow; The sun following a storm
• Time to refocus; Twilight after a snowfall; My son choosing to be in the Word
• Little steps of progress toward a goal; Siblings who are friends as well; Furry little Guinea Pig named Gimli
• Music; Lovely Christmas Eve service, w/ candlelight & Silent Night; Boys playing Christmas songs for me as a trio
• Love coming down & drawing near; Laughter; Friends joining the festivities to surprise Dave for his 50th birthday
• Oyster stew–a must have over Christmas; Partially frozen stream; Critter prints in the snow
• Home after the holidays; Help with dishes from my girl; Popcorn balls
• Date night with hubby; Dinner with friends; Connecting with far-off friends & relatives through Christmas cards
• FB page = another way to connect w/ my readers; Work punctuated w/ foosball and console games; The movie Monumental
• Fascinating study on evidence of historicity of the Bible; Walking thru woods on carpet of snow; Clear, starry night
• Abundant blessing of clothes; First sledding of the year; Enjoying New Year’s Eve appetizer supper w/ my kids & hubby
• Blessings of a New Year; Final preparations for my new Web site; A glimmer of light on a dark path
• Sound of winter in the woods; Turkey flying from the pine trees; New Web site launched and problems solved
• Morning sun reflecting off snow; Winning & losing–in other words the joy of playing; An encouraging word
• Rachel’s outdoor antics–makes me laugh; Expertise of a chiropractor; Sharing Chai tea w/ Daniel
• Creating an inviting & comfortable living room; Guinea pig noises; Rachel’s reaction to her new Hello Kitty bedding
• An afternoon spent in the company of good friends; Dialoguing on sharing the light of Christ; Teaching Sunday School

By His grace ≈

Julie