by Brittney Kimbler – Thursday, January 3, 2013
My home church in Olympia started something about five years ago that I absolutely cherish and will continue to do for the rest of my life: our church prays for a word of direction both corporately and personally. For example, one year our church focused on freedom, and our youth group felt led to focus on breakthrough.
In 2012, my personal word for the year was redemption, and let me tell you I saw God's redemptive finger prints all across this past year, from meeting friends at NU who honestly loved me and believed in me, to stepping out in boldness and believing God for miracles that in His grace and mercy transpired, to praying for people in Choralon's (NU's traveling worship choir) that I've never met and most likely will never see again, to most importantly witnessing God radically redeem parts of my personal life that I had shut the door on a long time ago. I'm in tears just thinking of His goodness this past year.
I take comfort in the fact that "redemption" isn't just for 2012 but is one of God's most stunning qualities, and His redemption will continue to pursue my life. NOTHING is beyond His redemption.
But I am also so excited to begin praying for a new word of direction for this coming 2013! I challenge you to join me and ask God for a specific godly focus for you this year.
I've been thinking through this verse over the past week:
"We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness but the promises didn't do them a bit of good because they didn't receive the promises with faith." Hebrews 4:2 MSG As 2013 arrives I want to believe and stand on the things God's promised me/us as believers. I don't want to miss out on a single thing God has for me, but I must have faith to believe Him.
And to you, who's reading this as either a high school student trying to figure out where you want to go to college, or a transfer student thinking about trying something new, whether your journey leads you to Northwest University or not may I encourage you to BOLDLY believe God's promises for you, that He has good plans for you, that He's faithful to lead you and take care of any and all needs AND wants, that He is for you, and loves you with an unfailing, everlasting, perfect love. He knows your circumstances.
And lastly, for the sake of New Years Resolution traditions.. here are the three that I hope to work for in 2013:
1. Make THANKFULNESS, praise, and worship a lifestyle!
2. Slow down. Live in and celebrate each minute. Soak up the people you're with. Meditate and memorize God's Word rather than hastily skim through it.
3. Be adventurous! Stand on His promises and receive His ABUNDANT LIFE.
Cheers!
Brittney Kimbler is a sophomore Communications major at NU. She loves Jesus & dares to live life to the fullest. Follow her on Twitter @brittneykimbler.
Posted on Thursday, January 3, 2013 by Brittney Kimbler
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