Courage

Recently I heard about a project called One Word 365. As stated on the website,

"Forget New Year’s Resolutions. Scrap that long list of goals you won’t remember three weeks from now anyway. Choose just one word. One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. One word that you can focus on every day, all year long. It will take intentionality and commitment, but if you let it, your word will shape you and your year. It will guide your decisions and help you grow. Discover the big impact one word can make. One word. 365 days. A changed life."

This is the third year that I have chosen a word. Two years ago, at the beginning of 2011, before I'd heard of this project, I picked the word "focus." In 2012, I chose "grow." Praying over the course of the year, I asked God to change my life, to help me grow or focus. That is a dangerous prayer. He was willing to give me what I petitioned Him for, but I learned that often growth comes through pain, and focus in the form of sacrifice. Through it all, He taught me the reality of His presence. I believe that He gives us what we ask for in His name.

 2013's word is COURAGE. I want to be courageous for Jesus. I'm so afraid of what people think of me, so afraid that God won't come through, so afraid to step out in faith. My fear stops me from doing what I know He has called me to do. This year, I will not be content to cower in the shadows, hiding because I'm afraid of someone's opinion. What have I to fear? Jesus' power will overcome.

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

 This, also, is a dangerous prayer. When I ask for courage, what will He give me but an opportunity to practice courage? But I know that He is enough.


Here are some of my favorite songs for 2013's word:

And that's a lot of videos. Oh well.