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 few weeks 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:
- Reflect…finish well!
FURTHER READING
Married to Dan, Karen, a
retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon
and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility
