Happy New Year! I can’t believe we are in 2018 and officially at the ½ way point of Niki’s World Race Journey. I have been reflecting on what the New Year means for most of us. We usually set out to make resolutions or set goals for the year. There is just something about flipping that calendar to January that makes us look at bettering ourselves, changing ourselves and just the glimmer of hope that we will do better this year. Most of us set up goals/resolutions such as working out more, exercising, eating better, reading our bibles all the way through, etc. etc. but as you read any article on these, you will find the common theme that it’s all about making life changes.
On one of the racer’s blogs I read where a team mate every year asks the LORD for a word. This word is prophetic, symbolic and visionary for what this trip around the sun will be. She had asked everyone on the team to pray for a word of their own to reveal in the next year. I gave this a lot of thought. I knew that Niki went into the race with her own word and is keeping it throughout this journey. Her word is fearless. I remember my first impression was Oh No ~ don’t go on this trip fearless. (let me explain) As a Mom what popped in my head was she would be fearless and not think of danger or safety. I imagined her bungee jumping off cliffs with no safety measures or going out alone at night to grab a tea with someone just waiting in the dark to kidnap her. See it took me a while to realize that her word fearless meant much more. It meant free from fear; BRAVE. Think of Esther. She modeled bravery and courage when she risked her life to save the lives of her people. She teaches us we must break intimidation and use our influence to bring glory to God.
Think of Ruth, the Moabite who was able to overcome her past by giving her life over to the living God and by turning from her idolatrous way of life and she was able to be used mightily of the Lord as the great grandmother of King David. Think of Hannah. Hannah’s fervent prayer and vow teaches us that consistent faithfulness and persistent prayer get God’s attention. She believed God for a son and He multiplied her faith by giving her many children.
Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus who surrendered her life and her reputation to the purposes of God. Her submission shows us that when we consecrate our life to the Lord, He can do amazing things. As I thought about these fearless women in the bible, I began to realize that Niki chose fearless because she was given the power of love and she can be fearless because she knows that the LORD is with her, leading her and that there is strength in His name. She was facing the unknown on this journey and she wanted to go in fearless no matter what she had to face.
So knowing that fearless is her word I have prayed hard on what my word would be for this year. My word is listen. This may not be a prophetic word for you but I can truly tell you that it is for me. I have been wrapped up in the busy and distracted life for Oh so long. As I am getting older I think I‘m more consciously aware of the brevity of life and I don’t want to just talk over it. I want to listen. I want to listen to how my sweet Mama’s day went every night when I call her, I want to listen to my Daddy tell me about the good ole days when he was growing up or what he is working on in his wood shop. I want to hear what is happening in my kid’s life.
What is important to them? Did Stevie’s team win the football tournament or what is his latest release coming out? What did Niki have for lunch or how did her day go? What is the latest adventure? I want to hear my sweet grandbaby’s shrills and giggles and I want to be able to listen to her when she plays. I don’t want those three powerful words ~play with me ~ go unnoticed. I want to hear my husband telling me about his day and telling me he loves me every morning before he leaves. And most of all I want to hear the LORD. I want to hear HIM and I am beginning to finally realize that I need to be still and listen.
Proverbs 3:6 says “Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go, and he’s the one who will keep you on track. “ Proverbs 1:5 says “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Listening is a choice one has to make. We can choose to listen and then act upon that which is heard or we can listen but not really hear. It is a selective hearing loss of sorts. So for me this year I want to listen. I want to hear the LORD’s voice in all my decisions and I want to support my family and friends by being a better listener. I hope this motivates you to find a word for the year! Thanks again for all of your prayers. This journey is not only growing Niki and her family but it is also showing us how awesome it is to trust in the LORD. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hugs!
Debbie (Niki’s Mom)
