STRONG

I have to admit, I chuckled as I typed the title to this first post for the new year—the first post in months, I might add.

 Strong is not remotely the word I would use to describe myself—on any level—as I tiptoe into the new year. A variety of words adequately describe my spiritual, physical, emotional and relational reality, but strong simply doesn’t make my personal list. Yet, as I linger in God’s presence on the cusp of a new year, I literally sense God breathing this word over me for 2019.

The first morning of 2019 was quiet. Behind as usual, I was determined to wrap up my Bible reading plan for 2018. I entered the new year feeling a bit parched—desperate to hear God’s voice. Several passages immediately lept off the pages into my spirit. Psalm 138:3  led the way:  All God’s promises are backed by the honor of his name. In other words, if God said it, He has no other intention than to follow through with the promises written for us.

I can’t think of a better way to launch into a new year than to share the strength I gleaned from a few of the promises I read this morning. See, regardless of how we “feel” as we step into a new year, God’s Spirit enables us to rewrite that reality.  If he says I am strong, then guess what? I’m taking him at his word.

What has he called you to accomplish in 2019?  Be Strong and take a step! How? “Take this seriously. God has chosen you! So be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task. For the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you! 1 Chronicles 28:10

What obstacle feels too daunting to overcome? Be Strong! “The Sovereign Lord is your strength. He makes you as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

 Where are you procrastinating out of fear? Be strong! “Now get to work, for I am with you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “My spirit remains among you…so do not be afraid.” Haggai 2:4b-5

 Do you feel unworthy of any measure of mercy or grace? Be Strong! God’s heart splits open with generous love toward you regardless of your inability to earn such audacious love.  He declares ,“I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. (before you accomplish anything) You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.” Haggai 2:19NLT

 Have you struggled with “the Finish”? Maybe you begin well each year, but the annual ‘finish’ is deflating. Does this year’s territory look’s eerily familiar to the previous one?  Be Strong! This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Be strong and finish the task! I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew…I will make you a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong and get on with…”(whatever he’s called you to do.)    Zechariah 8:9a, 12, 13b

 Do you wrestle with inadequacy and doubt? Be Strong! God declares, “I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me. Hosea 14:8b  

I am the vine you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I’m entering into 2019 fueled by God’s promises, anchored to his love, empowered by his spirit at work in me. So I will quiet the noise that makes me weak and listen for the Voice who calls me STRONG.

Beauty Awaits…

Patty