The year 2012 was a big year for me. It began with a "simple" trip to Ethiopia, Africa, that turned out to be far from simple. It changed my life. It changed my perspective on living, on money, on possessions, and on God and Church and my relationship to God. It's influenced my college plans, and even my life plans.
I've learned to be patient this year.
I've learned faith.
I've learned the deep, unending love of God.
I've learned the key to victory.
I've learned that it's OK not to have my future all laid out in front of me.
I've learned that a clean slate doesn't have to start with a new year, month, or even week. God's loving kindness is new every morning.
I've learned that it's the little things that leave some of the biggest imprints on my memories and nostalgia.
I've learned God to be true, faithful, and amazing.
I've learned that it's not all about service, but about being with Jesus, abiding in Him and His love.
I've learned (at the same time) missions trips are a tremendous thing to think about. It changes you.
Jehovah is truly phenomenal. He provides for my needs, He provides for my wants. He gives me every single thing--little or big--that I need to be the Christian He wants and expects me to be. He gives me ways to escape temptations. He gives me avenues to use the gifts He's given me. He never gives up on me. He never stops loving me. He never leaves me.
It's amazing to think that in a span of 12 months that God can reveal Himself so much. It's amazing to think that I had no idea what kind of impact simply following where Christ lead would leave on my soul.
So, with this year coming to and end, I think it is fit:
Good things happened in 2012; bad things happened in 2013. But nothing can be changed by focusing on what was done in the past. I need to strain forward to what lies ahead. New things are before me--greater things are still to be done in my life by God. Deeper aspects of God will be revealed to me this year.
May 2013 carry with it the grace of God, remembrance of redemption, and power of the Gospel.
I've learned to be patient this year.
I've learned faith.
I've learned the deep, unending love of God.
I've learned the key to victory.
I've learned that it's OK not to have my future all laid out in front of me.
I've learned that a clean slate doesn't have to start with a new year, month, or even week. God's loving kindness is new every morning.
I've learned that it's the little things that leave some of the biggest imprints on my memories and nostalgia.
I've learned God to be true, faithful, and amazing.
I've learned that it's not all about service, but about being with Jesus, abiding in Him and His love.
I've learned (at the same time) missions trips are a tremendous thing to think about. It changes you.
Jehovah is truly phenomenal. He provides for my needs, He provides for my wants. He gives me every single thing--little or big--that I need to be the Christian He wants and expects me to be. He gives me ways to escape temptations. He gives me avenues to use the gifts He's given me. He never gives up on me. He never stops loving me. He never leaves me.
It's amazing to think that in a span of 12 months that God can reveal Himself so much. It's amazing to think that I had no idea what kind of impact simply following where Christ lead would leave on my soul.
So, with this year coming to and end, I think it is fit:
But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. -- Phil 3:13-15
Good things happened in 2012; bad things happened in 2013. But nothing can be changed by focusing on what was done in the past. I need to strain forward to what lies ahead. New things are before me--greater things are still to be done in my life by God. Deeper aspects of God will be revealed to me this year.
May 2013 carry with it the grace of God, remembrance of redemption, and power of the Gospel.
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