A
New Year
By Karen D’Amore
“However, I consider
my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the
task the Lord Jesus has given me - - the task of testifying to the good news of
God’s grace.”
Acts 20:24 (NIV)
Acts 20:24 (NIV)
It’s
the first day of the new year. It’s the first blank page of my 365 page book,
which I’m striving to have God see as good. Today lends itself to quiet
reflection, where I recall the old to help route my course for the new. Like
hitting the rewind button on a VCR, the old year rewinds, pauses, stops and
replays. As I replay those archived moments, I’m reminded of Isaiah
55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your
ways, declares the Lord” (NIV). Though I’d prefer to fast forward or delete the
muck and the mire, wisdom draws me to stop, explore and process the priceless
lessons found hidden in the confusion, adversities and good.
The
litany of dark, painful and confusing obstacles are challenging to comprehend.
Though I would have preferred a smoother route, I recognize God allows difficulties
for His express purpose. Recognizing and believing the truth doesn’t equate
with liking it, nor does it make those difficulties any easier to endure. One
thing I’ve learned in this Christian race is God is constantly working to mold,
shape and conform us into His image…a process in which He is more concerned
with our character than our comfort! Through
hindsight-faith and the ability to reflect on God’s past faithfulness, I’m encouraged
by His ability to redeem everything for His good. Seeing beauty rise
from the ashes in those incomprehensible circumstances has empowered my ability
to trust God…even in the midst of pain.
As
reflection draws me into deeper introspection, I see those hardships from an
enlightened perspective. This life isn’t about me, it’s about Him! This Good
News, heaven-bound race was intended to bring Him glory. These God-allowed hurdles
build endurance, perseverance and mature faith. “How beautiful are the feet of
those who bring good news!” (Romans
10:15, NIV)
As
I launch forth on this journey into a New Year, I resolve to surrender and submit
to God’s ways and seek His best… whatever that may look
like. And as one year rolls into another and for future years to come, I strive
to live in such a way that I’ll hear God say, ”You fought the good fight, you finished the race and kept the faith” (2
Timothy 4:8, NIV) ”Well, done good
and faithful servant” (Matthew
25:23, NIV).
As
we stand at the start line of a New Year, will you resolve to run the Good News
race - - obstacles and all?
GOING DEEPER:
1. Reflect…finish well!
FURTHER READING:
Married
to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at
Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s
on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
