Here we go 2019! I know we are about a month in, it’s been for sure exciting – I am, along with this squad, half way in this wild adventure. It’s really hard to believe but also not at all. As time moves – we grow – we change. As I write this, I have roughly one month left here in Ethiopia. It has definitely been fruitful and challenging.
In all that I want to share with you my word for this year. If you have been following me on this journey you will know I wrote a similar blog last year and you can read it! My word was RESTORATION.
As I transitioned from my race in August, I asked the Lord what the next 9 months would hold. His response no more, no less was – ‘it’ll be wild!’
OK THEN!
Now that I am halfway through I can tell you that it’s been the wildest adventure I’ve taken. The people that I have a huge privilege of walking alongside are without a doubt…WILD! Not crazy but wild. Between us as a leadership team and this squad, they live and love fully expectant, uninhibited, abandoned to Jesus – I AM THANKFUL FOR THESE HUMANS!!
Reflecting back on the year, around November time, it was a year that brought me into a fullness I didn’t think possible, confidence I didn’t think I had or even experienced before and I knew there was greater potential with me to allow the Father to do more in me and HE isn’t finished with me yet – restoration!
My word for this year, 2019 is FAVOUR!
Defined in the dictionary, favour is:
‘Approval, support, or liking for someone or something; overgenerous preferential treatment. An act of kindness beyond what is due or usual. It’s origin is middle English (in the noun sense ‘liking, preference’) Old French from Latin favor, from favere ‘show kindness to ’cherish’).’
Having the Lord reveal this word and what he was speaking over me for this year I couldn’t help feeling a sense of excitement and apprehension. On one level, favour is linked to blessings, linked to good things. You best believe I have seen those things in my life continually – God is just that good – to me!
To go further again the Lord spoke to me saying yes I have blessed you – in the ways that you needed and recognised whilst in your need BUT NOW I am bringing favour, my favour into your life; In increase you will see it – financially – spiritually – in family. People will see it and receive my favour that lives within you.
EEEKKK
He continued on saying to me that I would see it in places I shouldn’t and as you see it you will acknowledge and release it, into the spaces and places you walk into.
OK!!!
So after I came around from that whirlwind I realised that I was nervous; I said to myself what does THAT even look like!?
Honestly I have no idea right no – I’m trusting – it’s hard. Trusting has been a huge journey for me, I’ve been on it for some time – still learning. This word though, it goes deep for me. I haven’t quite figured out how deep. I know there is huge amounts of healing coming. I know that with this word my Father is bringing acceleration to a lot of things in my life; some beautiful things but also challenges.
Because, favour comes often following times of stewardship – when no one else is watching or there or when life gets messy and you want to Theon the towel in (many times!) I’ve been there.
I don’t feel I deserve the favour (still working on that) – but it IS being bestowed, slowly revealed, all in its time. What a gentleman my Father is, not forceful in the slightest not overwhelming but ushering in, in its rightful time and place.
The scripture that comes to mind is the infamous passage in Isaiah 61 – this year I’m walking this out.
‘The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favour has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. You will be called priests of the Lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honour. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be recognized and honoured among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.’ – Isaiah 61
I’ve read this in relation to Jesus and him and fulfilling this scripture in the temple in Luke 4:18. I also read this as a mandate for all believers; that we should be proclaimers of these things declared here and walk them out with one another in our lives.
This is his promise to me this year – he is speaking these things over me! – WOAH! Not sure what to do with that except do as it says in verse ten – greatly delight!
These prophetic words I read on a blog this week, I received these words as I continue to walk this year out…I sense that they are for you also so as you read receive…
~ This year you will be met with abundance everywhere you look. You will taste and eat the fruit from trees you didn’t plant, and the fruit will come from unexpected places and at unexpected times. In the middle of winter, flowers will bloom, the sun will shine, and rains will stop. Those of you who have been in a desert season, watch as God opens a door into a jungle season: lush, adventurous, full of life, big dreams, and thriving. Supernatural events will pave the way into your new season. Open your eyes to see and you will see the hand of God.
It’s time to pull out your old dreams, the ones that could only happen WITH God, the ones you could never accomplish on your own. Watch for God to speak a whisper of something that is impossible in the natural, and then watch as He makes it happen. This will be a year of unexpected financial blessing and breakthrough. As you stand in faith on the promise that you have from God, rejoice in the way He makes a way where there was no way before. Generosity will bring disproportionate blessing, so be intentional with your giving. The testimonies of God’s miraculous, outrageous provision this year will be ones for the history books. The stories of financial breakthrough for some people will be the catalyst for many to believe in God for the first time. His goodness, mercy, and favour will shine for all to see.
Watch for God to restore things in your life to even better than they’ve ever been before. He is rewriting your story and this is a pivotal time, as you have the opportunity to make agreement with Him about the future that He has for you. This is a time of rebirth. He is making all things new. ~
On a fun side note I remember looking up the meaning of my name: Ashley – of the tree – forest. In Irish translation it means to dream or vision – pretty awesome!
I would love your prayers and any of your thoughts, any encouraging words the Lord reveals to you I would appreciate 🙂
Also in other news… I’M FULLY FUNDED!!! YAYAYAYA!!! Thank you to everyone who prayed, donated and sent encouraging messages it has meant so much to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs and comment and send messages I really do appreciate that when people reach out. So THANK YOU again!!
Blessings 🙂
