New Year; New Thought

ABIDE

Many of my writing friends each year choose or feel like God gives them a word for that year. I've never chosen or felt I've been given one--perhaps because I didn't ask. 

This year when I scanned through the different responses--miracles or miracles!--a word came to me. I instantly thought: "How appropriate for me." 

When I looked it up in my dictionary, here's some definitions that stood out to me, for me:

• Put up with; endure. Hmmm. I could use a little encouragement in that direction. Those troubling times when I feel put upon, feel I've reached my limit. Do I have enough strength to push past the issue? I'm assured in God's word that I do have. "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." II Corinthians 12:9

• Stay. Remain. Hold steady. Don't waver. Remain true. Discouraging times will come in 2017 as they did in 2016, but my duty is not to worry about the discouragement nor the problems that exist or come into my life. My job is to hold steady, trust and believe that my Lord will work all things out for his glory and my benefit.Doing that I can be confident in asking whatsoever and "it will be." "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be."  John 15:7.

• Dwell. Reside. Allow Christ to live in me. Dwell in his word. I need not be frantic, but take on the atmosphere of peace, confidence and quietness. I'm abiding in Him, and He in me. "As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither ... by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither do you unless you stay with me.” John 15:4 

Pretty good word to start 2017, wouldn't you say? 

Have you asked for a 2017 word? Has God shown you the word that you need to focus on this year? 

A continued Happy New Year to each of you!

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

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