Ecclesiastes 3:10-12 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. A new year is coming. 2010 is mere days away. And I have to say, I am so ready for a new beginning. SO ready.
2009 was tough. The toughest yet. And I'm ready for it to be over. But I am not leaving it behind completely. There is so much of it that I am taking into the New Year with me.
During this past year...and much of 2008, as well...I have learned so much. I didn't know it when I was in it, but God was using our situation, the many trials, to teach me so many lessons I don't know if I can list them all. God used the trials to strengthen me. To strengthen our marriage. To strengthen my faith. And my husband's faith. God used our situation to teach us about good stewardship. And tithing. God allowed us to go through the fires and the rushing rivers to teach us how to persevere. How to fight the good fight. How to believe His Word when it made no sense. God used this trying time to show us that He loves us...and provides for us...and cares for us...and wants more for us.
God used this last year...the many trials...to teach me to stand firm. He taught me to not let my circumstances define who I am...or how I think. He taught me to stay focused on Him...and that when I do, He is all that matters. And He is always there. And that when I focus on Him, the trials are behind me. And HE is the one who is fighting them. For me...on my behalf. "Cast your cares" He says...so that's what I tried to do. I didn't always succeed. I had bad days. Really bad days. There were tears. And fear. And desperation. There were arguments. And hopelessness. And downright anger and frustration. There were days when I didn't want to leave the house. And some when I just didn't. I couldn't deal. And all the while, God was there. Right there. Whispering sweet nothings to me. Calming me. Reminding me of His promises. Providing for our needs. And even some of our wants. God showed me that He had us in the palm of His hand the whole time. In the tough times...and in the good. He always has a hold of me...of us...of you. He never lets go. Even when sometimes we wish He just would. But He won't. Ever. And no matter how deep we may fall into that pit of hopelessness...of desperation...of darkness...He will always come in after us. And lift us out into the Light. Yes, 2009 was tough. And I will admit, I don't want to repeat it! But I will always be thankful for it. And thankful that God loved me enough to walk me through it. Thank you, God, for this amazing past year. Thank you for showing me Your glory. And Your provision. And Your love. You are so good.
7 comments:
Like you, I'm so glad that God is always with me, leading me. I've had bad days, bad months, bad years and by His grace, I have made it through the fire. For that I am ever so grateful. Like you said when we're IN it, we think it's terrible but fortunately in hindsight we can see His hand in all things.
Wishing you & yours a joyous and healthy 2010. Bless you, friend.
nothing but AMEN!!!! oh and you know that i'm right there w/ ya.
Amen.
ditto on the amens. that which does not kill us only makes us stronger right!
This was one of the best posts I have read. Thank you for sharing it. It was full of sentiments that I was too awe struck with His might to even express. Tonight I was looking for a little motivation to get up and go, and then there was this post.
2009 was hard for me, also, but it was equally glorious, because like you, I saw God's unmatched love and guidance through every trial.
The past decade has been hard, so this year, I grew to faithfully see light even during the storms.
For 2010, I am faithful and expectant.
God Bless you and yours in the new year.
Happy new year to you Michelle! Did I tell you how much my friend loved her mimi dolls? Thank you again. You are a light.. Thank you sharing all you do..
I admire your ability to thank Him for the trials. I'm working on that... sometimes I force myself to say "thank you" when I don't feel it. Clearly, you feel thankful also.
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