As I sit watching tiny flakes of snow drift to the ground outside my window, I find I’m in a contemplative mood. Today is the last day of 2012. And what a year it was. I find I remember many joys, all coming at the end of trials. There were difficult times dealing with fatigue and exhaustion, soreness and illness. But, there were also the clear times when the Lord supplied my need and gave me joy despite my circumstances. If you know me personally, you’ll know my heart is preconditioned to be a pessimist. I don’t mean to be, and I’ve struggled against it, but there it is nonetheless. God made me a trouble-shooter (where you look ahead and see the possible negative outcome of just about everything and do your best to make sure it doesn’t go that way). Which is why I’m rather amazed at my ponderings.
Although there are many unknowns in my life right now, of which I’ve been sorely tempted to worry over—today I’m content. Dare I say hopeful? (GASP!) I can say with confidence that no matter what comes my way, the Lord will provide.
My prayer for you this New Year is that you’ll find yourself looking forward, not back. That you’ll grow in faith with the Lord. That, if you are suffering today, you’ll be able to see past your circumstances to the One who provides true joy despite difficulties sifting down around you.
May your blessings be many, and may He keep you tightly in His mighty grasp.
Happy New Year!
1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (full text here).
Dear April, As I read this the word “sifting” struck me! At least He hasn’t poured the whole bag of flour around you! As I think back to the “old” days when we all used a sifter when baking, I visualized what it was like to slowly sift the dry ingredients together.
God is so faithful and gives us just what we can handle. Everything is “sifted” through His hands first. He is faithful and I trust that He will be by your side in 2013. Continue encouraging us with your words of wisdom and insight!!
Thanks Debbie! Some times it sure feels like the whole bag is being dumped, but when I look back, I see it differently. Always good to keep perspective. Many blessings to you and Dan this new year!
We have the same heart, April! As you know, I tend to be a pessimist too, but I’m trying to change as well. I hope you, Ken, Maddy and Seth have a wonderful New Year’s celebration, and may 2013 bring both of our families many blessings and good health! Love you!
I’m claiming a new title, Kim. We’re “trouble shooters”! 🙂 And many blessings to you, Chris and the family!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Many blessings to you and happy New Year! Love in Jesus, Nancy Marriott Meacham-Cole
Happy New Year, Nancy! We sure miss you in the Encourager’s Group!