Since this year is fast coming to a close, I don't doubt that many of you are reflecting on the work God has done to you and through you.
I hope you can find the courage and step forward to share the beauty of Christ in you and around you. No minor change is too small to share, and if God anointed your life in a mighty way, then please tell! No envy here, just sincere praise!
I'll be the first to start, but hopefully not the only person to contribute.
There has been a profound depth of transformation on the inside, more than the usual. It has been a year of greater clarity, peace, and joy in God's presence. I have learned to trust more readily in the purpose He has for me each day, and in the bigger scheme of things as well. There's a more blatant manifestation of the Holy Spirit in me, around me, and in the lives of those people I love, encouage, pray for, and help.
Also, there has been a greater appreciation for nature and life itself. I have been exercising outdoors all year long, and it's been more of a spiritual expedition than the physical adventure it has been too. I have taken many vigorous 5+ miles walks praying to God and praising Him every step of the way. When you ask....you shall receive!
I anticipate a more defined "church" life in the New Year, and look forward to establishing a deeper walk of faith with Jesus in that environment.
For me, yes a lot of reflecting. Had some crazy stuff happen with me this year affecting me with both career and finances. God allowed some situations which I think I passed(??) I learned that even though God tells us in His word, things will happen, and He will always be with us, never forsake us.... I got the chance to live out the experience.
I dealt earlier this year with illness in family, compiled with work schedules, projects, and ministry objectives, and just life problems. Well, its' something when you got all these darts coming your way, shifting here, there, everywhere, trying to keep up, and keep perspective, and walk righteousless through it all with the right attitude, and keep the right heart of love.
Well what I've learned, AND still learning about God is, He uses me. He knew and knows how much I can handle. God has pruned me and purges me daily to see just how faithful and diligent I will remain with Him in my walk and my personal profession about who I am, and what I tell Him I wish to be for Him. THAT is what He continually tests me with dailly.
Some of the situations this year have been bad, but what I noticed in each situation, was that God used the situation to bring Him glory! I had the opportunity to talk to people in my circumstances that were Christians and God used me just to be a mouth piece for Him expressing my faith of Him in my own life. That's all.
What I learned is and have known for several years now is that God knows what I can handle. God knows what I know about Him. He's not going to put me in a position where I'm ever going to make Him look like a fool! I realized that I never have to worry about what I don't know, or ever be afraid or scared about how to show Him to people. He will put the right people before me based on where I am with Him personally. My existance it to give God glory.... SO, because I beleive that, He tests me with that very thing.
I've learned that I have hurt this year, but God has always been with me. He's showing me the ropes, HIS ropes, and that is a good thing for me. Remember scripture speaks to the yokes and burdens? Light....
In the workplace, I experience lots of situations, where I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. I work in a technical environment, and, sometimes, I wonder. Lord, Lord, ok, this ain't textbook. What's the answer. Help me... and then, I pray, and then HE answers. Ministering angels. Yes. God has taught me that as I implement my continual stepping out in faith, and putting His word to test, He answers me. Sometimes it's not right away, which btw (James 1 talks about this) builds up the attributes I need to have to make me stronger and make my foundation stronger.
I hear it all the time, a faith that can't be tested can't be trusted. I am ever so thankful to God that for the revelation in my life that I can "see" , and feel His presence in my life daily.
