Embrace What God Allows

I almost titled this post, “Embrace the Unembraceable.”

When I landed on embrace as my “one word” for 2024 last January, I thought I knew what it meant. Embrace new encounters. Say yes to new adventures. Welcome new friendships. And, of course, be open to experiences that might take me outside of my comfort zone. Some unexpected, but all positive. Or so I thought.

I did not have the slightest clue what I was in for.

The point of selecting “one word” for the year is to allow that word to permeate my thoughts, words, and actions. To influence how I respond to circumstances, both positive and negative. And most importantly, to allow the Lord’s Spirit to teach me through those experiences so I mature and grow more intimate with Him over those twelve months. My word for the year is never a word I chose because I like it. It’s always a word that I believe the Lord both led me to and confirmed.

As I look back, I see my word for the year was intended to prepare me for what would come. And what a year it was! A year in which I had to embrace the seemingly unembraceable. Ever feel that way? The first half of the year was fairly routine. Then June happened. In the space of the following six months I experienced two hip replacement surgeries (June and December) and two thyroid cancer surgeries (three weeks apart in September and October).

“Embrace” involves a welcome. Let’s just say, my “welcome” of those events was less than enthusiastic! And yet, time and time again, the Lord reminded me of the word He gave me for the year. The events, welcomed or not, may have been a surprise to me, but they weren’t a surprise to my heavenly Father. And since He is always good and always at work for my ultimate good, my perspective needed a shift.

The apostle Paul learned to embrace a variety of circumstances. In his letter to the Philippian Christians, he wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-13 ESV). Those are not easy words to write . . . unless they are true.

Paul also wrote to the Thessalonian church, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18 ESV). Why would he write this? Bad things happen. Suffering happens. We lose loved ones. Finances are stretched to the limit and beyond. Relationships break. Doctors call with dreaded diagnoses. And when they do, we can become angry, resentful, and bitter. Or we can thank God His indwelling Spirit never leaves us alone in the trial. He will bring us through—and as we trust Him, we come through better than when we first entered the situation.

What does this look like in your life? What unexpected circumstances did you face this past year? Are you the same as when you went in? Are you surprised at your ability (with His help) to not only survive, but thrive? Share your experiences in the comments!

And by the way, my word for 2025? Flourish. I’ll keep you posted!