Renew is my One Word for 2015. I didn’t choose it. God chose it for me.
I didn’t even hear Him at first, even though I’d been asking Him what my word would be. Thankfully, He is patient and will keep repeating Himself.
It was during a worship service between Christmas and New Year’s when I finally realized Renew wasn’t just a word that kept coming to mind. It was MY word for the new year.
In that moment of realization, I felt uplifted. Renew sounded hopeful and full of possibilities.
…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
I wondered where this year of renewal would start, and I didn’t have to wait long before He renewed my passion for writing.
This was something I’d hoped for during those moments in worship. You see, during the fall months I wasn’t writing much. Mean, destructive words had been slung my way…and it hurt.
With that hurt came fear. And it was paralyzing.
Sentences formed in my head, but in front of a screen or with paper and pen, I froze. As much as I tried to fight it, the fear was overpowering…and frustrating. I managed to push out a few posts, but they didn’t come easily.
Shortly into January came a new writing opportunity—one I was interested in, but tried to talk myself out of. I could barely keep up with the few deadlines I had, how could I even consider adding another?
I asked God if it might be from Him, and I asked a fellow writer what the same opportunity entailed for her. God answered by way of the peace and excitement I felt. And the feedback and encouragement from my friend helped me make my decision.
But more importantly, the words flowed again, and easily made their way from my thoughts into blog posts where they could be shared.
It wasn’t something I did–it was God’s work. All God. And I’m so thankful this is where He started. Writing is a part of me and without it I was feeling lost.
It’s reminded me that nothing is impossible for God.
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:27 NLT
Situations that seem hopeless to us are opportunities for us to see God at work—because what He chooses to breathe new life into will come alive.
Where in your life are you asking God for renewal?
Do you believe He can renew even that which feels hopeless?
A daughter of the King, saved by His grace, Laura writes to encourage women in their walk with Christ. She is a wife, mother, writer, blogger, and works in church ministry. Laura shares stories of her faith journey on her blog Laura Rath - Journey in Faith, and is a regular contributor for 5 Minutes for Faith and LifeNotes. You can also find her on Twitter @LauraJRath and Facebook.