It’s the beginning of 2018 and many have asked if I have a New Years resolution. I don’t really make resolutions because I think you can start something new, change something, or make a new commitment at any point.
However, I do have a word for this year. 
Surrender.
Surrender: Verb – “abandon oneself entirely to; give in to.”
On the drive home during my move, I felt the word “surrender” be placed on my heart.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galations 2:20
I knew it was the Lord and I truly believe 2018 will be a year that God fulfills a lot of His promises because I’ll be letting Him work through me and in me even more.
Just thinking about the first few days into 2018, I realized how much I had already started surrendering.
I set aside a lot of pride. I stopped being fearful. I quit my job. I left Nashville. I announced I was opening an online boutique. I surrendered.
But, it’s time I surrendered all areas of my life to Jesus -Friendships, relationships, my career, the future, etc.
I’ve had a relationship with Jesus for the past couple of years, but I still struggle with hanging onto control.
I love being in control. It makes me feel secure and it allows me to know feel like I know what will happen.
It’s time I really try and let go of that idol.
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”- Matthew 16:24-25
What has blown my mind in terms of control is how I have a relationship with the one perfect being and still want to be in charge. Jesus is the only one who is perfect. His plan is the best plan. He knows what I need most and what is best for me.
And yet, I still fight that. I still choose myself – a broken, selfish, unknowing, sinful human.
My hope in surrendering more and more to Jesus is that I’ll be able to love people better, follow my dreams more freely, let go of all anxiety and fear of the future, and see each day as a chance to further the kingdom.
What is your word for 2018?
Let’s be friends!
The Poiema Life 
He showed me 2018 is the year of the green light. But what I learned was it’s not him giving me the green light but instead me giving him mine. Fully surrendering myself to him and not being resistant. 2017, I thought he was withholding from me but instead it was me. I was withholding from him, giving him my red X and stop. Now I have a bright green light. Total transformation.
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That’s awesome! I hope your year is awesome and you see God work through you!
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