What's the Word?

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

I'm cheating a little bit on this post. I stole the topic from the ACFW loop (gasp!). Every week, a new topic is presented to ACFW members to consider, mull over, and respond to. They are all great topics but this week it really spoke to me and I'd love to share it with you. (By the way, if you are not yet an ACFW member, what are you waiting for? Sign up here)

Of course, I won't post the initial message word-for-word but, in a nutshell, here it is:

What do you feel God is speaking to you as you head into the new year?

Many writers get a "word" from God about their writing as they look back on the previous year and forge ahead into the new one. Maybe it's something they feel God has been trying to tell them for a while and they're finally paying attention, or maybe it's a brand new word altogether.

I thought about this and I truly feel that the word God is speaking to me as I head into 2009 is STRETCH.

Already, He's confirmed that word by presenting me with an opportunity that takes me well out of my comfort zone. It's an opportunity I know He wants me to grasp, but one that I also really don't want to do. Fear is something I've struggled with my whole life - fear of man and what people think of me. Fear of failing. Fear of not being good enough.

I am reminded of Moses, who argued with God about his (Moses') speech inpediment when God asked him to go to Pharoah and demand that he let the Israelites go (Exodus 3). And I am reminded of Gideon who didn't believe he could fight the Midianites (Judges 6). In both cases, the message is clear: THEY couldn't do it on their own. But GOD could do it THROUGH them.

Which is what I feel God is telling me. This is the year I feel I will be stretched when it comes to my writing. AND also in my personal life. My faith, my beliefs, my "territory" will be stretched and forced out of the box. I believe I will also learn to STRETCH in another way, as in, my hands - up to Him and out to others. I can ALWAYS use more of that type of stretching.

I'll admit, it's a little scary. (Hey, if Moses could be scared, I can!) BUT, it's also liberating to know I don't need to do it on my own. It's not ME who will do it, but GOD through me.

So what's the word you feel God has whispered to your heart for 2009? What is He trying to get you to see? How does he want you to change and grow? Is there a paricular lesson you feel He's trying to teach you? I'd love to hear it! Let's cheer each other on as we strive to be all God is calling us to be!