God gave me our families “word” for 2021 two days ago. It was out of the blue, as I had not prayed and asked for it at all, but just like last year, He spoke it to me at a random time. Immediately when I heard the word, I knew in my spirit it was our 2021 word. When I read through all the definitions of this all too common word, it radiated truth to my heart. Every separate definition had another nugget of freedom attached to it.
No, I’m not telling you my word yet. Sorry. This devotional is about the word God gave us for 2020.
On a random evening, while I was cooking and cleaning in the kitchen, God spoke our 2020 word to me. He had never given me a word before, without me first asking for it. He had also never given me one so far in advance. I believe it was July or August when I heard it, and normally He’d give me the words in November.
When I heard it, it stuck in my heart like a burr. I knew with 100 percent certainty that it was our family word for 2020.
THRIVE
Thrive was the word He gave. When I reminded my husband of this yesterday, he scoffed. I could tell he hadn’t thought through just how much that word had manifested in our family over this year. To be fair, on the outside, our year has looked far from successful…as thrive would make you think it should. But upon closer inspection you would discover a HUGE transformation has happened in almost every area of our lives.
The first several months of the year, we faced unemployment. We lived off of savings and miracles. It was a hard time, to be certain, but it was also ripe with blessings. Covid struck this year and shut down America, but we thrived! Homeschool was a beautiful opportunity to reconnect and refocus. The Lord led me to make Facebook live videos, first of Bible verses and later of worship songs. I never would have done that without these unique circumstances. I have written 3 worship songs during this last few months. I have continued to write daily devotionals, I have been teaching prophetic classes and writing curriculum for it. I have taught worship classes and have written corresponding curriculum. I have begun leading worship at church. All ways I’ve thrived.
My kids are more secure than ever in school and at home. They are ALL playing basketball this year. They have all matured in some very significant ways. We have increased our family bond. All ways our family has thrived.
Chris took a different type of job that had him working and living in MO for a while. A week after starting this new thing, he was in charge of all the guys. One week later. Throughout his time working that account, he was held as highly favored by every person he worked with. All ways he’s thrived.
You see, what the enemy meant for evil…joblessness, covid, etc…the Lord used to strengthen, stabilize and grow our family! There is always good to be found in any circumstance, you simply must be willing to look for it and acknowledge it.
Prayer Moment: I want to ask you to take some time and reflect on your life this year, especially since the covid chaos. How has God been blessing you? How has He turned it into good for you and your family? I pray today that you would find renewed purpose and gratitude to become grateful for any season. God is always good. ALWAYS. And He loves you so much.
You are my King and my God, Who decrees victories for Jacob. Through You we push back our enemies; through Your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but You give us victory over our enemies, You put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise Your name forever. Psalm 44:4-8
365 Days in the Presence 