Final Reflections…

MP900430895As I look back on the year 2012 I am reminded of the blessings of family, friends and an amazing God who daily chooses to pour out His grace on me. So as the year comes to a close here are a few final thoughts.

The year began with a verse. Hebrews 12:1-2. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I have a great cloud of witnesses. This year God reminded me of my own “cloud of witnesses”. Those who He brought into my life in order to help me grow. I was blessed by two separate visits from couples of my youth who poured spiritual life into me. It was a reminder that God had always been with me, even in the darkest hours. I began “The Women I Come From” as a result of one of their visits.

We all have those in our past who God has given to be our mothers, sisters, brothers and fathers. They have been gifts along the way. Some where along the line I had forgotten. I had forgotten the gift of those who poured into my life, my heart and pointed me toward a deeper walk with Jesus.

I am thankful to God for each of them. I am thankful that God gave my this reminder.

Let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles. If we just lay aside that which keeps us from pursing God  and do not fix our eyes on Jesus then we will end up entangled right back up in the same sin and distractions.

This has been harder to see. Harder to learn. Even now as my heart longs to be free from the things that distract me and threaten my intimacy with the Father I realize that there is still much to detangle from. Just recently I became painfully aware of hidden sin in my heart.

Even as my Father exposes that which breaks His heart He offers grace as He takes my hand to walk me to freedom. This walk will take me into 2013, it’s a walk I embrace no matter how difficult it may become for I desire nothing more than to follow after my God.

This past week I already sense where we may be heading next year. God has not given me a verse yet but I am sure it will be perfect and in many ways it will be a continuation of learning to endure. To endure taking an honest look at my heart and allow God to show me that which distracts and keeps me from intimacy with Him. It’s kind of like what Jacob said in Genesis 35:2 “Destroy your idols, wash yourselves, and put on clean clothing.”

It is my prayer, that God would help me to destroy the hidden idols in my heart, wash me clean of them and then replace them fully with Him.

So I prayerfully and humbly begin to look forward as I wait on God to reveal His good pleasure in my life. But before I go I thought I would share my top 10 blog post of 2012 to remind us of where we’ve traveled this year.

 

10. What is it Like being Married to You?

9. Longing to Know Him

8. Naked Prayer

7. A Grumpy Wife

6. How Should I Treat my Husband?

5. What Makes a Marriage Last?

4. What If He Doesn’t Deserve My Respect?

3. Living Purposely with Hope

2. When I am Weak He is Strong

1. A Godly Wife

Thank you all for joining me in 2012. I look forward to walking along with you in 2013.

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