So here we are at years end and what a roller coaster ride we have had as we have journeyed through COVID, among many other challenges in our lives. Even with all the changes that we have had to adjust to, there are still constants that remain within us. Constants are the ideas, truths, beliefs and principles we have chosen and accepted to be our
guidelines for daily living..
They keep us steady, the ones that bring us back to center when we trail off into territories unknown or find ourselves in the middle of an unexpected storm. They are sort of a safety net to catch our fears in times of worry and doubt and keep us from hitting bottom. We all have them, and have used them in times of need or unsettled footing.
But in spite of the many changes that we personally, or our families or our country are going through we have to keep this very one constant in mind and that is: God is in control. He sits majestically on his throne and monitors that which he allows to come our way and uses it to build our trust and faith in Him.
If you pay close attention, you can see in your rear view mirror, God’s faithfulness to you when he lifted you above your circumstances and helped navigate a solution, which seemed to be impossible at the time. Even in the small stuff God has directed and surprised us through his spirit to find answers that were often times camouflaged. God reassures us through his promises that he has got us in his sight and ultimately, if we let him, his ways will produce in us a maturity and trust in him that is unwavering.
This year is almost over, but it is my habit each year to reflect on my many blessings; my parents, my husband, children, the grands, my health, my adventures, the precious bonds of friendship, the many people who have served me, the opportunity that I have been given to serve others, the freedom to worship, and the friend I have in Jesus… are just a few. For Christ has left and continues to leave footprints on my heart as proof that he is real and present in my everyday life. And I thank God not only for the many blessings seen and unseen, but also
for the forgiveness of things I have said and done unconsciously or consciously.
I was nudged and convicted late this year to begin reading the New Testament, and boy what a real eye opener. I was raised knowing these stories and have read the bible through only once, but this is a different read. It, to me, has emphasized how Jesus knows my thoughts, his power is infinite as he can heal someone miles away merely by a thought, (but you all already know that from His works/miracles still today in our time). Jesus came not for the righteous but for the lost, he served others with a total commitment to their wellbeing, and his compassion and kindness is immeasurable. He notices those in need as well as those who are recognized as the lowly. and Us.
Lastly, and probably most important to Christ throughout what I have read so far, is that he wants more than anything for us to launch our faith of fervor (one of dedication, passion zeal, enthusiasm). He even reprimands his disciples, who are walking with him and have seen his many miracles, and says to them “you of little faith” when they question his provision? If their faith was on the skids I cannot imagine how much more mine needs to be recalculated and strengthened. So I am asking God to do just that. Help me to have a mighty faith that supersedes the worries and doubts that creep up and try to sabotage my well being and steal my joy.
Christ has given HIS life, shared his teaching, and guaranteed us that he is always with us, and has given those who believe in him, the promise of eternal life. This year, as each year does, presents us with new beginnings; the old has gone and passed away oh but year 2022 is ahead and filled with opportunity, hope, joy and a much needed attention to God; to love him, love ourselves but also to love our neighbors as well. There are things and ways and habits in my life and maybe in yours as well that might need some tweaking. But we are the ones who have the choice to step or not step out of our conventional box and accept the challenge to do something different.
Another constant in life is change; we can count on it…nothing ever stays the same except God. Maybe the change in your life this year will be external or maybe you will have the courage and discipline to make some changes internally but whenever or whatever you choose to do, ask Christ to be a part of it. For there is where joy, calm, confidence and security find their roots.
And in your heart, where roots are planted, is where the light of Jesus shines through you onto others. Share the good news of Christ, for in this darkened world you may be just the one who
Christ has chosen to light up the heart of someone you may not even know is in need....and give them hope. By word, or deed or just an affirmation of some sort...everyone needs to be loved or even just
acknowledged...and that is what a heart light does.
May your 2022 year be filled with love and blessings and may God nudge you to stay close to him in all your days in all your ways. Amen
And if you are up for a reading challenge… the New Testament might be just the place ...the awe abounding stories of Christ jump off the pages, and this Jesus is the same one who is calling us today to abide in Him. Happy New Year!!!!!
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
All past emails can be found at: Cathyjodeit.com (Contents Page)
