Advent – the time of waiting, of anticipation. We quieted ourselves in these weeks as we put up our Christmas trees, baked cookies, wrapped presents, lit candles, and remembered our Lord’s coming.
In many ways, the year 2020 has been a year of waiting, all year.
The virus has prevailed – “existing everywhere or generally; widespread” (from dictionary.com).
It has had “strength, power, or influence” (dictionary.com) over our schools, our families, our traditions, and our holidays.
We have waited all year for life to return to normal. We long for days to be the way they were – easy, without rules and restrictions, and free of worry.
As the fall came upon us, I wondered how my One Word for 2021 would arrive in my life. Some years the word has found me and other years, I found the word. Always it came with a Scripture.
- In 2014 – it was Faith.
- In 2015 – it was Believe.
- In 2016 – it was See.
- In 2017 – it was Audacious.
- In 2019 – it was Focus.
- In 2020 – It was Savor.
The word began to weave its way into my thoughts as I reviewed a book (HERE) and the weeks continued to pass. My desire, however, did not pass or change – not one little bit. It remained the same:
I want to do more than cope or adjust to circumstances,
I want to prevail.
I don’t want to solely wage battles, I want to win the battle, overcoming the enemy with courage and strength. Standing firm on God’s promises.
2021 – the year to Prevail –
“rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer …”
(Romans 12:12, (NASB)
** Starting next week, Wednesday January 6th, I will be hosting Sue Donaldson’s linkup “Let’s Have Coffee”. Sue will still be blogging, doing podcasts, and offering wonderful resources so please continue to visit her site – Welcome Heart to keep up with her busy schedule. I am delighted to have this opportunity and hope many of you will join in as well. Happy New Year and see you in a week and Let’s Have Coffee!
“Prevail” is a wonderful word for 2021, Joanne. You’re right … the virus prevailed this year, but it will not have the final say! I will be looking forward to having coffee with you every week through the linkup. 🙂
Lois, I have to admit, it took a while for the word to grow on me. One might even say, I resisted making it my word. But the word prevailed until I knew (and accepted) it was the word for 2021 🙂 I am so glad you will visit the linkup and look forward to having you! Every blessing in 2021!
Prevail sounds like the perfect word for 2021! We are not in control of many of our life situations but we have the Lord and his strength as our shield and we will prevail. Thank you for sharing this.Wishing you a healthy joy filled 2021ðŸ™
Jo, I so enjoyed this post. It has given me much to think about. I had not even considered the word “prevail.” Now, I see that we must prevail in this life. That’s our marching orders! Thank you for sharing your godly wisdom, Jo!
Love you!
Prevail is a great word for the year! I look forward to reading more about how that works out, and to joining you for the link-up. Blessings for 2021!
Prevail is such a good word, especially for 2021, Joanne. I look forward to reading your thoughts on it. The word prevailed until you realized it was the word for you this year! Thank you for hosting the coffee link-up. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Congratulations, Joanne! Settling on a word for the year feels daunting to me each time, I feel such relief when it’s settled. “Prevail” is a great word, can’t wait to hear how the Lord reveals Himself to you through that word in 2021.
Prevail is an awesome word, Joanne! It will be so fitting for 2021 as we walk into a new year with lingering problems but with hope. I’m glad you’ll be hosting the linkup on Wednesdays. I know you’ll do a wonderful job. I’m grateful for Sue’s hospitality as she was such a gracious host too.
“Prevail” … yes, placing our faith, our trust, our being, our all in the Lord for we know He prevails. We will too. This is a great word to ponder and dwell with this 2021.
What a great thing to focus on for 2021. I am still contemplating this. I have never done a one word before but am feeling a nudge now. Not sure if it’s supposed to be truth or trust. Both I have been smacked in the face with this year and both could use some attention.
I love the One Word movement and I’ve made it a part of my New Year since 2013. I have to admit–this year I’m still struggling to figure out my word. That’s not really all that unusual for me, but I do have to say that it’s starting to bug me a bit!
I really like your word, “prevail.” I especially love how your reclaiming it for something good. I happy to have taken a tiny step back into a community of bloggers this year (it’s something I haven’t done in quite a while), and I look forward to embracing 2021… and whatever my word my be for this year 🙂