“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NASB

I saw a meme that made me chuckle. It was a caution to the reader: “Don’t anyone claim 2022 as ‘your year.’ Everyone just walk in real quiet, show some respect, and don’t touch anything!”

I laughed, but then I caught myself thinking, “HOW SAD!” I have always loved this time of year, reflecting on what is past and preparing my heart to LOOK FORWARD to the year ahead.

But we live in a time where one might be excused for looking ahead with caution and concern. We have indeed been through some horrific times. Times that have tried our souls and worn our faith thin. Dreaming of a happy new year seems almost a frivolous flight of fancy. Survival seems a more realistic goal.

Since my early years as a single girl in ministry I had a habit of seeking God for a “word” for what was coming next. When an “assignment” was over, I would find a secluded place, a rooftop in Hong Kong or in a South Indian village, or an empty chapel or classroom. On my final day in my time there, I would seek the Lord, “What’s next?”

And each time, in that still, small Voice, I would hear something. And whatever I heard, I wrote down, prayed over, and took very, very seriously. Often whatever I wrote would become apparent as the new year/season would begin. Other times it took quite a while for what was written to take shape and make sense.

So, now, with the days of 2021 dwindling down and with my heart set on Jesus, I pushed all fear and trepidation aside. I inclined my ear to that still, small Voice, and asked, “What’s the word, Lord? What is our word for 2022?”

Immediately I heard: “Intrepid!”

Intrepid! It landed like a spark on my heart. I felt at once challenged and excited by this word. The dictionary definition is: fearless. Further synonyms are: to be courageous, heroic, plucky, spunky, audacious, bodacious and bold.

I like it!

For me, it is a word that gives me hope. It feels like a promise and not a warning.

There may be many times in 2022 that will call upon us to be courageous. But if the Lord is speaking ‘intrepid’ to me, to us, then He will sustain us. He will give us pluck. He will trim our sails in the wind. He will make us bodacious and audacious. HA. Intrepid. I like it!

~ Debbie Ecker