Well...talk about starting off the new year right! God kept his promise to Noah. He spared him and his family. He brought them through the storm and gave them continued hope that in following his law, he would protect and bless them. I'm sure that the time spent on the ark was challenging, to say the least.
So, here we are, at the beginning of another year. We've talked about resolutions and what changes we can make in our lives that will reflect praise and glory to God. If we look back on all the hard times we encountered over the past year, we may become disappointed and sad! They may have been difficult, they may have challenged our faith, they may have been physically demanding, they may have included loss or fear and they may have included the closing of doors ~ but we did not face them alone! We never face anything alone!
In each of our "sufferings", we've received a blessing. Sometimes they aren't as obvious as we'd like them to be, but they are there, just the same. There are so many analogies with regard to transformations that take place to make something beautiful that I can't even pick one. The beauty that lies deep within us comes from a place of glory! It's not something that can be stolen from us. Our gifts from God may be "often imitated, but never duplicated". We have been chosen to do whatever it is we do for him. We are original! Our uniqueness in the way that God sees us sets us apart from all others! Being a Christian is not something you can fake your way through. You either are or you are not! He always lets you know where you stand with him - there are never any doubts!
God will continue to guide you through this new year. There will be storms to bring you closer to him, there will be blessings to praise him for. Your attitude towards them is what will make the difference. Make it an attitude of prayer no matter what! Always try to see the silver lining in the storm clouds, look for the flower blooming just beneath the snow and open your heart and soul to the goodness that is God! Make a conscious effort to feel the loving arms of Jesus wrapped around you and listen for the whisper of the Holy Spirit as he guide you. Make this year a year of praise for all things, not just the ones that bring you joy. Look for that rainbow which reminds you of his promise. Spend time in prayer and spend time in the Word! Just as he kept his promise to Noah, God will surely keep his promise to you!
