It is December, and the season of Christmas, peace , joy and light. So much to reflect on this past year, so much for which to be grateful, and then there are the lessons that we learned that we didn’t see coming.
I am thankful for all that the Lord has done in my life this year. The unexpected surprises, the blessings, and the times when I didn’t see His hand and my faith was stretched.
One profound lesson I believe I am beginning to contemplate is that the Lord controls all things. Of course, we say we know this, I said I did. But until this truth really settles in your heart, through life’s inevitable realities, does this message really sink in. I see that I am limited as we all are, that things don’t go as we think they should. God is God! And He is writing His-story, not us. We are given the power to respond to His sovereignty. How we respond determines our life’s message, and whether we are happy or miserable. Sadly, this is a lesson the proud never learn, as they want to believe in their own destiny, their own agenda and power. Yet no one can control outcomes, the power of God is what determines fate and not ourselves. If we learn this and humble ourselves, yielding to His power, we are most greatly blessed both in this life and the next. Learning to yield even as we age is truly a gift if we seek God for it.
Another lesson is somewhat antithetical to the first. We do have control over ourselves. What we eat, what we drink, what we wear, what we buy, what we do with our time, how we treat others, how we respond to how they treat us, is all within our power. God gives us choices, He gives us opportunities every single day. What we do with them is entirely up to us. We can respond by keeping his commandments, bowing out heart to understanding, and receiving the blessings of such a wise choice, or we can be stubborn, lie to ourselves, chose a proud heart and attempt to make truth bend to our will. The fruit of these choices will be tremendous sorrow, pain and regret when we mourn at the last and lament that we did not obey our teachers. I’ve witnessed both this year and the end result of both paths. It’s all very clear in the end where wisdom guided, where folly led. Alas, it’s too late in that final hour to reverse life choices. The time to answer the call of wisdom is now, today.
It’s the end of 2024 and as is true every year, God is faithful. God is good! Take a few moments in the coming days in this beautiful season of light, to reflect on your path and to ponder your choices. Where are you headed in 2025? Where do you want to be at this time next year?
The Lord bless each one of you this holiday season.
Sarah Hopkins Art 