Inspiration
I typically don’t go to bed at a decent hour. This is not a good habit at all; don’t do be like me in this manner, I’m working on doing better. Anyway, one night, while I was winding down my brain to go to sleep, BOOM! I received a word from God. Well, actually, four words from God. I immediately popped up, grabbed my notebook and pen, which is ALWAYS next to my bed, be like me in this manner and do this, and jotted down the four words that God had planted in my heart.
Background
I take personal development very seriously. I watch a lot of YouTube videos and follow social media personalities who talk about personal development. A couple years ago, I was viewing a video that was posted by Tiphany Montgomery; she was talking about having a word for the year. This word is used to guide decision making, the same way businesses have guiding principles for their company. She advised to pray and ask God for the word. Prior to that video session, Tiphany shared how her business changed once she made God the CEO of her business.
Well, just like getting a new car, of course I started hearing that very message EVERYWHERE! A couple other people I follow mentioned this practice of choosing a word for the year; so you better know I picked my word. Let me say that again, I…PICKED…MY…WORD! Meaning, I did not follow directions; I didn’t allow God to place His word in my heart, in His time.
I went along for a full year using the word I chose but it never really meant anything to me. Like, it held no validity. This year, I decided that I would follow directions and wait to hear my word from God. One night, His voice was so clear. I heard: REVEAL, REMOVE, REPAIR, REPLACE. At the time, I had no idea how these words would guide my decision making. I just knew they were MY WORDS from God. I decided to meditate on each word to further hear from God to know how these words were to guide me.
The Process
One desire I have this year is to strengthen my prayer life and my relationship with God. Therefore, constantly throughout the day I want to develop the habit of being in constant prayer. Additionally, I want to handle life’s circumstances and interactions with people better. I use my four words to help me accomplish this.
Reveal
First, I ask God to reveal. This can span a myriad of things. It may be a revelation of something within me. It can be a revelation of something in someone I interact with. It can be a decision that needs to be made. I just want God to show me what I need to see in order to process and make the decision that he wants me to make.
Remove
Next, I ask God to remove. I want hime to take away anything that’s not like him; whatever doesn’t please him. Maybe it’s someone or something that does not serve me any good. I just want it removed so that I am not hindered.
Repair
Then, I ask God to repair. Often times we want to be shown the things that are not right and for people to be removed from our circles. Maybe to even be removed from a situation. What we don’t often desire is full and complete healing. Repairing and being made whole is so necessary and must not be neglected.
Replace
Finally, I ask God to replace. I want the bad or wrong to be replaced with something positive, something good. Whether it’s people, places, or things. Just replace it! It makes no sense for a space to remain void when it can be filled with something better.
In Conclusion
Let me tell you, when I started testing people and circumstances using this process, things have been made so clear to me. I also realized to deploy patience. To move through each of these are like moving through a phase. Sometimes it can happen quickly, other times it may take while. Depending on how complex the circumstance is and how often you use this method will determine the speed in which you move through the process. You’ve got to understand, the message from these words coupled with your dependence and reliance on God, are a powerful combination! I can tell you, these words will forever guide me.
Now, I don’t know what word(s) will be revealed to me next year. I’m learning it’s not for me to determine; only God knows how long it will take for me to master this and be able to process life through the filter of revealing, removing, repairing and replacing. I am, however, excited to go on this journey of depending on Him more when it comes to making decisions.
Talk To Me
Will you use or have you used the word/phrase of the year strategy?
Have you made the decision to hear from God and totally depend on Him?
How can you or will you use these four words (reveal, remove, repair, replace) this year and or beyond?
I want to here from you. Tell me here and or via a social post, story, or tweet. I’m @ErikaOWilliams everywhere. Be sure to use #RevealRemoveRepairReplace