The Rear-view Mirror
Looking back, how was the year for you? Did you have big dreams? Hopes? Plans? Or did you face this year with doubt, cynicism or fear? As I think about how my year started and how it is ending, a lot has gone under the bridge. Some of it was pretty tumultuous and unsettling. Some of it uncertain. Big Changes. We lost some friends. Our girls moved onto different paths. Work was slow. And we were pretty desperate for moisture. Things did not go as they appeared from the get go of the dawn of the new year of 2017 for us.
Yet, in retrospect, I see God’s hand in it all. I see that the Jewish New Year that began in September of 2016, called the “Year of the Clashing of Swords, was true to its name.” It was a year when things were shaken and sifted. It was a testing of our faith... and our patience. Looking in the rear-view mirror, I realize that we’ve come through unscathed. We are stronger than ever. Hubby and I have moved into a new confidence and hope that God is our ever present help and is ALWAYS able to be counted on. Resistance creates muscle. Pushing through by faith, we have found our faith has been fortified.
It’s good to see where we’ve come from in order to know where we are going. I see that a framework has been laid and we must be ready and willing to move into the next season of what He has for us. As we look at the Hall of Faith in Hebrews, we see the Pioneers of Faith who’ve paved the way for us. They are cheering us on from the balconies of heaven and are saying GO, GO, GO into all the world and make disciples! The time is ticking.
As we look back on what we’ve learned, what we’ve put into practice, we can step up onto those stones that were put in our way and see that it takes us closer to our destiny. The stones that may have been thrown at us are gifts, enabling us to go higher and farther! They are steps for our future (if we’ll take them!) So, we look back to look ahead. The word for the Jewish New Year this year is “The Year of the Open Door.” New beginnings. A New Era of taking territory for the King. God will reward you for your faithfulness and your prayers. Intercessors, be encouraged! Watch for a wave of His glory filling the church this year! His manifest presence is taking up residence among us. A New Season of healing, wholeness and freedom is here. Folks, there is so much to look forward to! “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I’m thankful I serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
So, now, dear readers, I urge you to look ahead! Look ahead with great anticipation to see what God is going to do in YOUR LIFE! Have faith. Your future is bright!
Scripture reference: Romans 8:31, Psalm 24:7-10