Happy Old Year…

 

Last night a friend came for dinner and we swapped God stories for several hours. It was more than incredible fellowship as we also worshiped together in the wonder of the way the Lord works and how He hears and answers prayer, even those just thought rather than verbalized.

In every instance, we shared the power and love of God, even in the darkest of our experiences, the losses of loved ones, the disappointments and concerns. We could do this because the Lord has shown us the truth of this passage from the New Testament:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35–39)

What a great way to end the year — remembering the stories and worshiping the Lord for His never-ending love. And what a great way to begin the year, knowing that whether we experience trouble, or distress, even persecution, or famine or any such thing including having nothing, or being in danger, the love of God will not only be with us but give us victory in all things.

This is not about winning, beating down our opponents or enemies, or having lots of money or good health or worldly success of any kind. It is about knowing God’s love and experiencing it in the midst of whatever happens — to the point that His joy will override the negatives that we may experience.

PRAY: Ending a year is always a time to reflect. Jesus, I am thrilled to be able to reflect on the things You do that have changed our lives, even the difficulties and painful events You used for good. Even more is that You often allow us to see the wonder of Your wisdom and grace in all of it. We are thankful for the positives, but also learning to be thankful for what most people would call the negatives because Your grace is consistent in both and in teaching us that no matter what, we can trust You totally. Thank You for 2024 and for the hopes and blessings in the years to come!