As we welcome in the new year, I would like to encourage you to dwell in the unfailing love of Christ, to be overwhelmed with joy that He has saved us. As I recall 2010, I try to recall a glimpse of God's grace. Not that his grace is a small amount, but that I am unable to comprehend His all sufficient, everlasting, unfailing, perfectly consuming grace. Think of every instance of inspiration that happened this year, every new idea, and every beautiful moment, each was a gift of our Heavenly Maker. As we look forward instead of behind, remember to trust God, for as long as He is the one in whom we place our trust, we will never be failed or forgotten. David writes in Psalm 37, "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or His children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and His children become a blessing." If you are feeling tired, or worn down, think of Paul's words in Philippians, "And I am sure of this; that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6). We can trust that when God uses us to fulfill his purposes, we don't need to worry about what the future holds. As long as we continue to pursue His will for our lives, he will open and close the doors for our lives. In His perfect timing, the significant events in our lives will come to pass. And there is no timing more fulfilling and blessed than God's timing. We can have confidence in our salvation because it is Christ that delivers us in the hard times and good times. I am currently reading the book "Defining Moments" by Vernon Brewer. I would strongly encourage anyone to read it, and especially people entering missions or ministry. It has probably become my favorite book, besides the Bible of course. In it Brewer quotes John Maxwell, "If you tell someone your vision and they don't laugh, it's not big enough." I try to remind myself of this as much as I can, because it is when we catch God's vision for our lives, that people begin to question our sanity, and wonder if the impossible is possible. Brewer also writes, "Having vision means seeing the invisible and making it visible." See a need, fill a need. I think one of the greatest capacities of mankind is the ability to help others in need. Christ calls us to be enablers, to help people see their own potential, and encourage them to reach for the stars. In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." It is not our place to judge others, but to love everyone, as Christ first loved us, and died for us while we were yet sinners. As we press forward into this new year, this gift from our Almighty, recall that Christ is made strong through our weakness. Remember that all things work together for those who love God. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good." (Romans 8:28). Remember that each day holds potential for beauty. "He has made all things beautiful in their time." (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
That you may see the beauty of tomorrow,
Amber
