Within each of us is the desire to have a better year than the last. To grow from strength to strength, and never get to the stage in life where we are just waiting to die. Living within each of us is the desire to live a life that truly matters. God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us, and our being here and who we are matters.
A New Year is a chance to begin afresh; to aspire for more, for better, for increase. However we can have so many thoughts, dreams, and aspirations buzzing around in our heads that it all seems too hard, and we don’t even know where to begin to make a change or particular focus. That’s where the technique of just having one word to help us identify what we hope to focus on for the year can make a big difference.
Having a one-word vision defines and motivates us to live our best life, and to not waste any moment. The year passes by quickly, and having a focus can help keep us on track. Life is precious and God encourages us to take every opportunity to live a meaningful, purpose filled, life where we do shine like stars, and build a God honouring legacy and example to follow.
Our power, passion and purpose are the three areas we need to discover to reveal our gifts, the fuel for our soul, and the purpose for which we were made. Out of those three areas we can then ascertain what is the one thing we need to focus on and ask God to do in our lives now.
My one word for the year is “Expansion”. I want God to expand my life and to take limits off. That He would work on the things I have been afraid of; the areas where I have lids on, and where I need to grow in my capacity, that God will expand and increase. I’m excited because I can already see and sense God moving as I lift my expectation and faith for Him to expand my life. That One word – “expansion” has given me a focus and a “word” to keep me moving.
In setting our “one word” vision it’s important to discover our “Power”- our gifts and talents. They are a little like our own superpower. God can and does take our natural powers – our gifts and abilities, and adds His “super” to them. We can in Him, do far more than we could ever think or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
Ask yourself “What are my strengths, and what do I naturally excel at; what are my unique qualities. What gives me joy and makes me feel alive?”
These qualities and strengths help us know what to focus on and pray into. When we combine these with our passion and purpose (we’ll discuss these in the next blog), we can start to live more fully the life for which God created us for.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
Today spend some time considering what your “power” is. What are your unique gifts and talents that God has given you? Write them down and talk to God about them. No gift is insignificant, and everything we do can be used to bless others and to glorify God when we give it our best.
“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 2:24)
Prayer: Lord help me to know what my power is; those gifts and abilities that you have uniquely given me. Please help me to use and grow stronger in these things, so that I would have a focus and vision for the year ahead. In Jesus Name Amen.
Comments