2021
What a year it has been for many.
I've heard stories of victories and great answered prayers and stories of great pain, loss, and loneliness. I've walked through some of the best times in my life and some of the hardest too. Everything changing constantly around us has been difficult. The consistent unknown of what else will come our way has been challenging for everyone. Fear, anxiety, and worry have covered many. We live in a very broken world. Will there be another lockdown? Will my work place keep me on? Can I survive this quarantine or isolation? Will our flight get cancelled? Will we see family? Will my friend get better? What's next? Will anything be normal again? The constant unknown is exhausting to say the least. It can really affect us mentally, physically, and spiritually.
As I reflect on my year of ever changing times and experiencing lockdowns in multiple countries, I've come to the conclusion that every year I say "the best is yet to come", but maybe that's not always true. I think we need to gain a heavenly perspective. Yes, better things are waiting because of the truth of eternity. We CAN hope in Jesus. Grow closer to Him. Grow deeper in our desire to know Him. But I believe our God doesn't repeat Himself. He doesn't like encores.
I'm reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit in those who believe. That power- it never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever- an unchanging God. We are told to rejoice in ALL circumstances and to pray continually. Sometimes I forget how much the Lord has done. He has answered many prayers. And even those that haven't been answered, He is working. He is loving. He is healing. The unanswered ones can be hard to grapple with since He's such a powerful and good God. I'm learning though, that He is allowing me to grow SO much closer to Him in those moments. I have nowhere else to turn too. He is my firm foundation and my happiness shouldn't reflect my 'amount' of praise. I shouldn't only praise Him and boast about Him when I'm happy and everything is well. He is a Good God even when the bad or the heartwrenching times happen. He is Sovereign and Holy.
There is no encore with God. God does not repeat himself, He makes all things new. Better.
"It would be rash to say that there is any prayer which God never grants. But the strongest candidate is the prayer we might express in the single word encore. And how should the Infinite repeat Himself? All space and time are too little for Him to utter Himself in them once." C.S. Lewis
So, I've really learned this year to remember that I'm grateful for all that's come. The beautiful memories of teaching in Cambodia and the community that cherished me well beyond what I ever deserve will not repeat itself. God makes all things new. He'll provide all I need in His timing, but He will not repeat Himself. He has NEW in store for us. I'm not gonna wait for an encore. I'm gonna wait for beautiful NEW surprises and blessings. What a weight off my shoulders to realize I don't need to strive for anything. I don't need to hope for 'the best'. I just need to hope in the One that never changes. The One that knows all things. The One that holds it all together. The One that makes all things new.
Happy New Year. Welcome 2022....
"They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power]...." Psalm 84:7
