As 2018 draws to a close a sense of nostalgia lingers in the air, ponderings of the past 12 months. Longingness for some moments to be returned back to us so we can relive them, savour the splendour of the moment some more. Desire for other moments to be forgotten, not because there weren’t lessons learned from them, but more that the sting in those lessons still lingers today.
As I reflect on this year, I feel like I have spent more time on the battlefield than I did preparing for battle. I can now see how the past few years, in particular writing Called to Thrive, prepared me for this year. In January when I started writing about a book about spiritual warfare I was starting to begin to understand why the word God had given me for the year was ‘protection’. This word and notion was going to be something I clung to as I fought on the battlefield, as I stood my ground too tired to fight be determined not to surrender and when I watched the enemy turn and run (figuratively). I began to truly understand what people mean when they say you attract the attention of the enemy when you put God first and follow His will and let go of your own desires to follow God’s.
I have cried desperate prayers and tears for loved ones the enemy has tried to take out this year. I have yelled at him. I have chosen to worship God through the joy and the tears, feeling incredible comfort and peace in the midst of chaos. I have learned what it is like to have my heart breaking but feel the peace of God holding me and holding the pieces of my heart in His hands, keeping me whole.
I smile when I think ahead to 2019. I do not smile because my year of battle is coming to an end. I smile because I know there are more battles to come and I know this year has helped prepare me for it. But more than that, I have learned more about God’s heart and character and I feel closer to Him because of what has been and how I have seen Him protect me. Do not let your affliction cause you to be angry at God, let it be a cause to be angry at the enemy and to motivate you to keep running the race with perseverance, fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
What have been the lessons you have learned this year?
What has shaped your 2018?
What do you hope shapes your 2019?
What helps you to trust God even in the midst of battle?
As I reflect on this year, I feel like I have spent more time on the battlefield than I did preparing for battle. I can now see how the past few years, in particular writing Called to Thrive, prepared me for this year. In January when I started writing about a book about spiritual warfare I was starting to begin to understand why the word God had given me for the year was ‘protection’. This word and notion was going to be something I clung to as I fought on the battlefield, as I stood my ground too tired to fight be determined not to surrender and when I watched the enemy turn and run (figuratively). I began to truly understand what people mean when they say you attract the attention of the enemy when you put God first and follow His will and let go of your own desires to follow God’s.
I have cried desperate prayers and tears for loved ones the enemy has tried to take out this year. I have yelled at him. I have chosen to worship God through the joy and the tears, feeling incredible comfort and peace in the midst of chaos. I have learned what it is like to have my heart breaking but feel the peace of God holding me and holding the pieces of my heart in His hands, keeping me whole.
I smile when I think ahead to 2019. I do not smile because my year of battle is coming to an end. I smile because I know there are more battles to come and I know this year has helped prepare me for it. But more than that, I have learned more about God’s heart and character and I feel closer to Him because of what has been and how I have seen Him protect me. Do not let your affliction cause you to be angry at God, let it be a cause to be angry at the enemy and to motivate you to keep running the race with perseverance, fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2).
What have been the lessons you have learned this year?
What has shaped your 2018?
What do you hope shapes your 2019?
What helps you to trust God even in the midst of battle?