A new year begs the question for a new word from God. He didn't give me a word for this year. But rather, a question. Jesus would often answer a question with a question. - The teacher of the law asked, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus said to them, "Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and go home'?" Matthew 9:1-8 - As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus answered. Mark 10:17-18 - "The chief priests and teachers of the law and the elders came to Him. "By what authority are You doing these things? They asked. "And who gave You authority to do this?" Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism-was it from heaven, or from men?" Mark 11:27-29 My tendency could be to look at the desires of my heart, the passing of time, the unchanging circumstances and say...this is impossible. Jesus says to me, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Luke 18:27 So, I am going to answer my questions with the question He gave me for this year: "Why not?" Is this the year that I will finish writing the book: "Wilderness Wanderings...devotions from the desert?" Why not? "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." Habakkuk 2:2 Is this the year that I know for sure that all my family's names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Why not? "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 1 Peter 3:9 Is this the year that the prodigals that I have been praying for, come home, to their Father and their families? Why not? "When he came to his senses, he said, "...I will set out and go back...I have sinned against heaven and against you." ...So he got up and went..." Luke 15:17-20 Is this the year that I share my life with a man, hand-picked by God, who loves Him and loves me, and I am the helpmeet He designed me to be? Why not? "Two are better than one." Ecclesiastes 4:9 "The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18 Is this the year that the 'Walking Workshop' will go directly to those in prison and recovery for Him to set the captives free? Why not? "He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." Isaiah 61:1 Is this the year that I pick up my suitcase and go wherever He sends me to tell the great, good news of Jesus Christ? Why not? "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15 Have a question? Here's a question for your question... Why not? (Calligraphy watercolor art: courtesy of Stacey Wilson)