Expect – My One Word for 2017
For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20
I sat in the sunlight waiting for my windshield to defrost thinking about my word for 2017 – Expect.
This life is a race.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
We are challenged to keep going and keep stepping when the map ahead is not always clear.
Lord, help me to look straight ahead and stay focused on you.
I don’t need to look to the left or the right and see what others are doing or how they are doing it. I don’t need to look behind me because the past is the past.
When I look back I stall. When I look to my left or right and start comparing myself to others I feel completely inadequate and if I’m really honest I start to doubt. I lose faith. I give up.
Lord, help me to EXPECT you in all situations.
Just like I expected the ice to melt on my windshield this morning in the sunlight, I EXPECT you to clear the path and show me the way.
I EXPECT you to have my front, back and side to side. May your Holy Spirit speak to my heart and reveal to me what I need to do as I move forward.
I EXPECT you to help me know when to pause to rest and rejuvenate.
I EXPECT you to give me the strength and courage to keep my eye on the prize and not on any distractions.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Lord, I EXPECT you to be with me and to be my source of strength, energy, focus and determination.
You will never leave me nor forsake me. You will guide and protect me.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
Lord, more than anything I EXPECT you.
I anticipate you in the day to day, in all things.
I expect you in all situations and circumstances, good or bad. You will be with me.
My eye is on the prize, and my faith is completely in YOU. Help me to prepare and be ready.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44
I expect chains to be broken.
I expect lives to be healed.
I expect YOU, Lord.
[ Focused on the Goal ] I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3:14
I sat in the sunlight waiting for my windshield to defrost thinking about my word for 2017 – Expect.
This life is a race.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
We are challenged to keep going and keep stepping when the map ahead is not always clear.
Lord, help me to look straight ahead and stay focused on you.
I don’t need to look to the left or the right and see what others are doing or how they are doing it. I don’t need to look behind me because the past is the past.
When I look back I stall. When I look to my left or right and start comparing myself to others I feel completely inadequate and if I’m really honest I start to doubt. I lose faith. I give up.
Lord, help me to EXPECT you in all situations.
Just like I expected the ice to melt on my windshield this morning in the sunlight, I EXPECT you to clear the path and show me the way.
I EXPECT you to have my front, back and side to side. May your Holy Spirit speak to my heart and reveal to me what I need to do as I move forward.
I EXPECT you to help me know when to pause to rest and rejuvenate.
I EXPECT you to give me the strength and courage to keep my eye on the prize and not on any distractions.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Lord, I EXPECT you to be with me and to be my source of strength, energy, focus and determination.
You will never leave me nor forsake me. You will guide and protect me.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
Lord, more than anything I EXPECT you.
I anticipate you in the day to day, in all things.
I expect you in all situations and circumstances, good or bad. You will be with me.
My eye is on the prize, and my faith is completely in YOU. Help me to prepare and be ready.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44
I expect chains to be broken.
I expect lives to be healed.
I expect YOU, Lord.
[ Focused on the Goal ] I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3:14
Happy New Year! What is your word for 2017?
Linking up with Bonnie Gray:
Happy New Year Michelle! Thank you for sharing! God Bless! I want to expect the Lord in all things too! We expect so much from others and different situations, why not expect the one that is mighty and able? Thanks again for your words! With love, Denise
Happy New Year Denise! Blessings to you and your precious family in 2017!
I love your choice of words and the verses you shared around it! I’ll be writing about my word on Monday. Happy New Year!
Hey Lesley, I am looking forward to reading about your word on Monday! Happy New Year to you!!
The Lord will fill your expectations of Him beyond your dreams, hopes, and imagination.
Shine brightly with His love as you serve in 2017.
Miss you, dear friend.
Carolyn
Happy New Year to you Carolyn! I miss you and hope to see you soon! Blessings to you in 2017 as you Shine His Light. <3
These verses and your thoughts and longings really resonate in my heart, Michelle. This post has been sitting in my inbox waiting to be read, but God knew I needed this reminder today. I so need to expect more from God. He is so willing to give, isn’t He? May our hearts be focused on Jesus and what He has done for us and may all our words and actions point to Him! Love and hugs!
Happy New Year Trudy! I wish you many blessings in 2017! I just read your post in my inbox and love it – yes, it all starts with Jesus! I also love your new blog design! It is beautiful. Much love to you friend!
Savor – to be present in the now; to appreciate the small gestures; to do the small gestures even if they don’t solve the whole problem; appreciate small successes even if I miss it the next time: do that one next thing well.
Savor – that word is awesome Amanda and I can’t wait to see how God will use it and reveal more to you in the New Year! Happy New Year and I am thankful for you! Blessings as you savor the LOVE of our Lord! <3
Happy New Year… It is great to connect with you.
Blessings to you
Happy New Year to you Ifeoma! I am glad we have connected as well! I loved your New Years Day post in Blessed Transgressions! Blessings and love to you in the New Year!