Well, another chapter has concluded in our lives. This chapter for me was filled fun, joy, gratitude, and blessings. But, it had also been filled with catastrophe, disappointment, heartache, and frustration. After this wild ride, I can’t help but feel extremely grateful for everything God has done for me. When I wasn’t faithful, He stayed faithful. When I was low, He was there with me. He blessed me with great new friendships that could very well last a lifetime, which is something I couldn’t be more happier for. Something I’ve learned this year is that spiritual laziness is extremely dangerous. When God calling you to walk on the waters, you ultimately should do it. Despite the tension inside of you, God knows the way, and this is the way. He won’t call you out into anything He hasn’t first gone through. There’s a saying that says that God won’t give you more than you can handle, but this is demonstrably false. He will give you more than you can handle. That’s life. But, maybe the richness of His love isn’t as rich if we don’t go through the pain. You can make arguments that scripture promises a ‘promised land’ here on earth, like a time in life where you don’t struggle, or you get what you want. You could make that argument, but maybe the promised land isn’t a land at all. Maybe pain, suffering, and going to whatever unknown God has called you to will ultimately lead you closer to Him, which is the promised land. So, whatever unknown or future you feel frightened by, know that God is still with you. If you look throughout scripture, God chooses the adventurous. The ones willing to lay everything on the line for Him. So, will you? What if you could be the light that no one could ignore? Maybe if we step out into the uncomfort, we can find God in a way we would never have dreamed we’d find Him. Because as followers of Jesus, that is one of the ultimate goals, isn’t it? The question God has asked me is the same one I want to ask you as you begin a new chapter in your life: What are you waiting for? Take this scripture with you to the unknown, whether it’s nomadic or not: ”Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.“ Isaiah 41:10 CSB As I share my finals thoughts on 2023, I hope we can find consensus with each other. And together, let’s cheer each other on into a bolder, brighter future! As for KING + COUNTRY would say, ‘G’Day!’ And I hope everyone has a great year!
