Once again, it’s time to share my “word” of the year. This year as I meditated and asked God what he wanted to change in me. I knew I wanted to have a “word” with a solid foundation. One based on a scripture. There were several words that came to mind. I would search for scriptures and then look up the proper definition. I found a word and a scripture that inspired me. In fact, there were a few scriptures. The word is “RENEW”.
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings of eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
With that inspiration, I then looked up the definition of renew.
re•new /ra’n(y)oo/
Verb – Resume (an activity) after an interruption.
Synonyms: resume, return to, take up again, come back to, begin again, start again, restart, recommence, continue (with), carry on (with)
Legal definition of renew
To make like new: restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection.
The tears began to flow, and it seemed that every interruption in my life flashed before my mind. In that moment I felt God speak to me about my hopes, dreams and purpose that he had placed in my heart. The ones I had let go of as the interruptions of life would come and go.
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” “Without repentance” means that God won’t change His mind about what He has called you to do. If God has called you, that calling is still there, whether or not you have obeyed. And if God gave you a gift—if He gifted you along a certain line—that gift is still there!
Interruptions can be the issues of life, disappointment, pain, relationship loss or just plain sin.
I knew this word was for me and in the next few days it was confirmed in some amazing ways. In fact, renew was the focus. However, and He also spoke release, reset and renew through an unexpected source. That is a story in itself. I couldn’t help but think about the ministry of Restoring Wholeness. Our verse is John 8:36 “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” The bondages of sin and life can be broken and in that freedom, we can renew the calling on our life that God intended. I believe 2018 is a year of renewal.