The Lord has Things that He Needs to Say to You
Some people feel that the Lord gives them a scripture for the year—a word of direction, guidance, or encouragement…something to help sustain them through the happenings and circumstances of that year. I have not really had this happen before…that is, not until last year. The Lord very deeply impressed upon my heart and confirmed multiple times Joshua 1:9 as my scripture for the year: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The Lord used this scripture again and again to comfort me and carry me through some very difficult times.
This year, the Lord did it again; He impressed a different passage of scripture on my heart: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;…” Isaiah 43:1b-3a At first, this passage made me a little nervous…I thought to myself, “Lord….what are you trying to say? Is this year going to be even more difficult??”
But then the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart that there is something much bigger at work here. These scriptures are actually doing three things: #1 providing immediate guidance and reassurance for the year, #2 building upon each other—like God is giving me a much larger message a piece at a time, and #3 becoming life scriptures. That last part is starting to feel more and more essential as the days go on. It’s as if the Father is very intentionally preparing me and teaching me how to believe in and live within the truth of the scriptures He is impressing upon me—not just for today but for the days ahead.
I share this with you because it is very possible that the Lord has things that He needs to say to you, too. There may be circumstances that He needs to prepare you for and scriptures and insight that He needs to imbed inside of your soul so that when the storms and trials manifest in the present or meet you down the road, you will be prepared and strengthened.
Today, talk to the Lord. Ask Him to open your eyes to see and your ears to hear His voice. Let Him begin to impress upon you that which He wants you to know. Allow Him to prepare you for the days to come. Be an active listener and allow Him to lead you in the way you should go.

Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member