As I’m contemplating my focus word for 2019, I’m reminded of how I got my focus word for this year. 2018, was the first year I ever did this. So, without further adieu, my story from last year…
My friend Bond Girl, challenged me to find a word of focus for the new year, last year. You know, in lieu of resolutions. I’d heard of people doing this, but had never done it myself. After a lot of prayer God gave me “Kindness.” God, meant kindness toward myself though. Digging deeper, through prayer, He gave me a Bible verse too. Because, who knows God doesn’t just drop random words in your lap without backing it up with scripture? He gave me:
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
Prov 31:25-26
Now…Given that my word was “Kindness,” The first part of that verse seemed out of place. But, I went with it anyway. Then, in the beginning of January 2018, I posted on social media, looking for recommendations for a devotional book. Jesus Calling was the one most people recommended. Now, I could have gotten it right away, but I didn’t. I mean, I did go to my local used bookstore but they didn’t have it. Fast forward 20 days and I found a beautiful turquoise leather bound one at the Grand Opening of my local Hobby Lobby. I bought it because turquoise is one of my favorite colors and Hello? It was the book I was looking for. (Note: I’m not a fan of how this book is written in the 1st person, so as I read I change that in my mind. I don’t know, seems blasphemous, to me. All are entitled to their own opinion, so please no hateful comments.)
The entry for January 30:
Worship Me only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. I rejoice when your mind turns toward Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought choices will keep you close to Me.
Psalm 112:7; 1 Corinthians 13:11
This called to my mind Prov. 31:25, “… She laughs without fear of the future.”
BOOM! God just dropped that in my lap! AH!!!! How I love when God tells you something then, sends confirmation! I didn’t know why Prov 31:25 because it didn’t tie into the whole “kindness” thing, at least it didn’t in my mind. So many things, could have been different: a different book could have been recommended, I could have chosen a different book, I could have started the book at Jan. 1, etc. While all these things could easily be chalked up to coincidence, and the secular world certainly does that, I know better. Our God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect.
When has the coincidence in your situation been too awesome to just be “coincidence?” Would you dare call it God’s confirmation? When was the last time you said, “Perfect timing!”?
Own Your Story 