Like many of you, each year I write goals with the understanding that God can shape and change them however He sees best. For the last few years, I’ve also chosen a word that I hope will capture my prayers and dreams for the New Year.
Lately, God’s been showing me that I need to lay aside my expectations and embrace the reality that His plans may be different than I imagined. And that’s okay. In fact, His ways are far better.
However, I still struggle sometimes. “Lord, but I thought …” or “But isn’t this a good expectation?” Yet I imagine I’m somewhat like Job who thought he had the right to ask God a question when he didn’t have the faintest idea what was really going on.
That’s why I’ve chosen a theme, not just a word, for 2018: Wait and see. I want to let go of my expectations and let God have His own way in my life. Sure, I still have goals I’m working toward, but I’m trying to hold loosely onto them. For you visual friends, the mental image that goes along with this theme is an open hand. I want God to give or take away whatever He sees fit.
In other words, I need to desire, not any specific outcome, but simply the Lord Himself. My expectation needs to be from Him, because at the end of the day, only He can satisfy.
And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. (Psalm 39:7 NKJV)
I love the start of a new year because it holds so many possibilities. In 2018, let’s not get wrapped up in our own agendas. Let’s be willing for God to surprise us with His best.
Wait and see.
~ Kristen
Tweetables
Be willing for God to surprise you with His best – @kjhogrefe (Click to Tweet)
New Year’s Theme: Wait and See – @kjhogrefe (Click to Tweet)
Thank you for this encouraging message, Kristen. I face the same struggles and appreciate the reminder that though I make plans, it’s God’s path I want to follow. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your comment, Sandra. Amen to that! I want to follow His path, too. Blessings to you in the New Year 🙂
LikeLike
Great post. It’s important to remember that God has our best interest in mind.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jann! Yes, He does, even when we don’t understand. Happy New Year to you 🙂
LikeLike
Kristen, great words to encourage us with today! Thanks so much! I find myself saying this in my life right now too so, your blog captures a lot of spiritual truth for me today! Happy New Year too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m glad this post was encouraging. Hope you have a wonderful New Year full of God’s best blessings. 🙂
LikeLike
“. . .Simply the Lord Himself.” That’s my word for 2018: Simplicity- clear out the clutter and leave room for God Himself to work through me and my writing! Last year, it was Wonder. I meant to see the Lord working in Wonderful ways in my life. Instead, it turned out to mean “I wonder what He is doing in my life.” 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Jarm. Simplicity is a great word! In fact, it was my word for last year, but I still managed to make life more complicated than it needed to be. I definitely want to carry over simplicity into 2018 as well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person