As the new year makes its entrance, a fresh breeze of possibilities and dreams fills the mind:
- Perhaps this year . . .
- Wouldn’t it be wonderful if . . .
- All things are possible with God, so . . .
But no sooner do I start finishing those statements with starry-eyed optimism, than some scratchy, irritating thoughts demand my attention. Thoughts such as:
- You’re too old, terribly unworthy, and under-qualified.
- You’ve already waited so long. Your desires obviously aren’t God’s desires for you.
- You’ve hopelessly veered from God’s plan; otherwise your life circumstances would surely be different.
And my heart cries out:
I need your Word, God, your Sword of the Spirit, to slay these lies. And though I am grateful for familiar sword-thrusts like Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Philippians 4:13 to wield against the untruths listed above, a few new moves would surely increase my resolve. “Strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28b).
And God seems to say:
“All right, Nancy, let’s look at each statement from my viewpoint.
“You are too old? Not so. Moses was eighty when he became the leader of the Hebrew nation, bringing them out of Egypt and into Canaan. Daniel served as prime minister in Babylon well past the age of eighty. John was quite elderly when he received the Revelation. Age has nothing to do with usefulness.
“You are unworthy? Also not so. You are one of My chosen people, a royal priestess, who belongs to Me, the King of the universe (1 Peter 2:9a). Like all My children, you are precious and honored in My sight because I love you (Isaiah 43:4).
“You are under-qualified? All the better for My purposes! My G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense) includes wisdom, power, strength, discernment, all spiritual gifts, all fruit of the Spirit, and more. My grace is more than sufficient for you; it’s all you need. In fact,“My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 MSG).
“You’ve waited too long? Think again. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph waited seventeen years for his dream to come true. Caleb waited 45 years for his special parcel of the Promised Land.
“You’ve veered from My plan for you? Please refer to Ephesians 1:11. Your singular purpose is to display My glory, that is, my attributes of love, joy, goodness, and more. Wherever you are . . . “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). And remember: small acts can achieve important results also.
“One closing thought to keep in mind: There is method and reason to every decree I have judiciously ordained since the beginning of time, to accomplish My will according to My sovereignty. I AM the Almighty, all-wise God, your Heavenly Father.”
* * * * * * * * * *
O God, help me to look toward 2024, not through the eyes of discouraging doubt but through the eyes of ever-increasing faith. And when I cannot understand, help me just to stand. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen. *
* Based on a prayer from Selwyn Hughes in Every Day Light, 105.
Image credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pickpik.com.
(Revised and reblogged from 1-3-2013 while we enjoy the last couple of days with out-of-town family.)