As I look back across 2017 and reflect on all that God has done this year, I am amazed. There were lots of ups and downs throughout the year, but today I am rejoicing in how God has brought my husband Michael and I through 2017 to head into a new year together.
We didn’t have any major life changing events in 2017, but can I still look back and see God’s hand on everything that happened last year.
About this time last year we were living in a rental house that was put up for sale, Michael’s overtime at work was practically nonexistent and we were told if we wanted to stay in our house that the rent would be increased. This news added to the stress of the holidays by 100%! There was nothing we could do except look for a new rental house.
So we started the search and we looked and we looked and we looked, we were beginning to give up hope that we were ever going to find a place we could afford and we started making a plan to live in the apartment above my parent’s garage and in our travel trailer. Not ideal to say the least! Then all of the sudden, when were about to give up hope, there it was listed for a rent, a small but doable duplex in a country setting! It was perfect and God provided it at the perfect time and the perfect price.
As I look back though I remember feeling unsure of what was going to happen. I questioned everything and everyone, I didn’t think we were going to find a place to live; I couldn’t trust that God would provide. The truth is, I still see that same pattern in me today, but why? When time and time again I can see where God has provided exactly what we needed when we needed it! Why can’t I trust him with the unknown, instead of waiting to trust him after the fact?
I don’t know that I have the answer to this question. I just know that this is something I struggle with and that I want to work on throughout next year.
This morning God brought this verse to my attention from Lamentations 3:22. Its says, “Because of the LORD’S GREAT LOVE (emphasis mine), we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They (his compassions) are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God continues to love us even when we doubt Him, even when we don’t trust Him. We don’t have to wait for a new year to embrace his compassion and love! Its there for us each and every morning, each and every day of each and every year for the rest of our lives! He loves us, he wants what is best for us and he accepts us just as we are.
So as we head into 2018, why not embrace God’s compassion each morning and live life like his promises claim we can? There is no reason for us to be consumed by our doubts, because his love never fails us. He is there each day just waiting for us to run to him and let him embrace us. He is faithful, lets live 2018 in the light of his faithfulness!
How has God been faithful to you this year? I would love to know. What can you use prayer for this year? Leave a comment below and I will be praying for you. I truly believe God blesses us when we walk through life together by praying for and sharing our prayer requests with one another.
Happy New Year! May God’s faithfulness exceed your wildest dreams this year!