What’s in a Word?
It’s been a busy year thus far, but I believe this year will be the year God will teach and shape me into the man He has called me to be. Some of you know this about me and others don’t but for the last four years, I have chosen a word to focus on for the year. I pray through that word almost daily and shift my life around to reflect what I feel God has laid on my heart to accomplish for that year.
Word One
The first word four years ago (2016) was intentional. So, I was intentional in decisions that I made for myself and my family. One of those decisions was to go back to school and finish my degree. I accomplished that goal in May 2018.
Word Two
My second word was endurance (2017). I was busy with life as a husband, father, full-time leader at Chick-fil-A, a full-time student, small group leader, deacon, and other responsibilities that came along the way. Amy and I were also recovering from the loss/pains of a miscarriage from 2016. The year of “endurance” was rough, but God was telling us to press forward through our suffering. He could produce a character that leads to hope (Romans 5:1-5).
Word Three
The third word I chose was trust (2018). In November 2017, I felt that God was calling me into full-time vocational ministry, but I didn’t quite know what that looked like. I began praying and speaking to pastors about this aspiration-gathering advice and gleaning wisdom on this matter. At the beginning of 2018, I applied to be an Apprentice at The Summit Church. The Apprenticeship program is a 21-month training that develops future ministry leaders and pastors. It is a full-time support based program. How would God provide the financial need? I knew I needed to trust is unfailing guidance. I spent the entire summer meeting with friends and family for financial partnership in my pursuit to be trained as a pastor.
We had baby Charlotte in July and support-raising halted for a few weeks. By August, my support-raising came to an end and I fell short of my goal. I ended up qualifying for the internship, which is a part-time position. But God was still faithful. I still needed to trust that God would provide. I still needed to trust that God placed this aspiration on my life. I still needed to trust that this was the right move for my family. I still needed to trust! The last four months of 2018 flew by and I learned new bible study methods, discipleship practices, marks of healthy churches, and many more things it takes to be a leader in God’s church.
Word Four
This year the word is pursuit (2019). I was reminded of a gospel truth recently and I want to share it with you. “I don’t do my best to EARN God’s favor. I do my best because I HAVE God’s favor.” I want to live in 2019 and beyond in pursuit of God. The pursuit of His wisdom through scripture, prayer, and memorization. I want to live in pursuit of gospel-centeredness in conversations with not-yet-believers which also includes my children. I want to live my life in pursuit of others to disciple in the gospel. I want to live in pursuit of opportunities that come my way to reach my community with the love of Christ. I want to live in pursuit of…whatever God aspires me to do.
I have God’s favor, I don’t have to earn it. This is a truth I want to direct my decisions and the way I lead my family and others this year. I cannot say thank you enough for your support during this internship. Each of you has played a part in my training and development into a ministry leader for God’s church. The road has not been easy, but well worth the experience. As I continue on this journey, I ask for your continued prayers. I also challenge you to pray and discern what word does the Lord have for you. It’s never too late to start.
What word is God giving you this year? How can that word change the way you read God’s Word, pray, share your faith, give, or treat people?
