One Word

A few years ago, I gave up making New Year’s resolutions.  I was sick of the guilt.  Instead, I chose to pick one word to focus on and allow God to develop in my life.  It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done and it has literally changed my life.  

Who new one word could be so powerful?

This past year my word was DARE. 

I’ve never been a daring person.  Fear, for much of my life, has been the driving force.  Fear of failure. Fear of what people might think of me.  Fear of the future.  Fear of what God would ask me to do.  Fear for my children.  Fear of the unknown.  On and on it goes about anything and everything. 

Sometimes fear lies in wait below the surface of my life and I taste its rancid lingering effects but other times it screams its way onto center stage; lurking around every corner, waiting for me in every room and stalking me in the middle of the night.

So picking this word DARE in January, was a big step for me and I confess the old familiar fear sent shock waves through my body as I wondered what God would ask me to do. 

But the amazing thing was the fear did not stay, instead it was immediately followed with an excitement as I began to wonder, “What would God ask me to do and where would I go?”   And somehow I knew without a shadow of a doubt my life would be completely different come January 2017.  I had no idea what or how but I knew my life was radically going to change and the miracle?  I wasn’t afraid!

My daily prayer became, “Lord, I dare to go where you want me to go.  I dare to do what you ask me to do.  I dare to say what you want me to say.  I dare to be who you want me to be.”  

From the moment I started praying that prayer God began to reveal His plan for me.  He used a pastor in the Dominican Republic who didn’t speak my language and knew nothing about me, to give me a message, “God has had you in the background but He’s moving you to the front.  He has big plans for you!”

He had a friend from elementary school reach out to me and invite me to go to India with him to help train women in discipleship.  He had numerous friends confirm the joy and passion they saw in my life for those around the world and opened wide the doors of ministry for me to travel this year to encourage and speak truth into the lives of women around the globe.

As the year progressed God made it clear He was calling me to expand my ministry to women worldwide.  What I have been doing for years in my church community has been a training ground for what He is now calling me to do around the world. 

I have recently been accepted with EFCA Reach Global as a missionary.  In February, I am resigning my position as women’s ministry director of the Knapp Street Campus of Ada Bible Church (after almost 10 years) and moving into a ministry that will enable me to disciple women- teaching them how to share the gospel, study the Bible and lead others to Christ in countries all over the world.  There is no doubt that this is what God has been preparing me for all along.

I confess, this change feels a lot like standing on the edge of a cliff. There are times when I wonder, “What am I doing??  – I’m leaving a good paying job that I love, where God is using me and stepping out into who knows what??”  But I am no longer allowing fear rule my life!  I truly believe . . .  The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.  What can mere people do to me?  Psalm 118.6

So here’s my challenge for you:   What’s the word God wants to develop in your life?  Take some time to think and pray, choose your word and then step out in faith and watch what God does!   You’ll never be the same again.  I'd love to know your word of the year!  Please reply to this blog and let me know.

If you are interested in partnering with me, I would love to have a conversation with you.  Please feel free to email me at kristi.huseby@efca.org

. 

 Kristi