Well, we all made it through Christmas festivities and now there is the short lull before jumping into a new year. What was it that was memorable for you this past year? Were you around loved ones or did you lose a loved one in 2013? Maybe your family members are estranged and your heart is broken. Were you blessed with a new baby or a new marriage or did you lose your marriage to divorce? Did you move to a new home or did you remodel your old one? Did you get closer to and grow in the Lord or did you turn your back this past year?
Maybe we have some regrets from 2013. Through your challenges, did you learn the lessons He may have had for you? Maybe you struggled financially, but you still saw that He provided for you. Did any of your hopes and dreams come true in 2013 or did you have any?
Let’s look forward to 2014….Do you have hopes and dreams? Do you have some goals you are going to try to accomplish? Within those dreams, are you willing to lay them aside if God should call you somewhere else or do you hold onto your own human dreams so tightly that you miss what He has right in front of you? “I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord……” Jeremiah 29:11
In praying and asking God for guidance this year, remember that “God can’t steer a parked car”, but He also can’t move it forward when it is in reverse. Let’s start this year with an open attitude to become all He planned us to be, without the past defining us. Be willing to lay your own hopes aside, so you can be free to enjoy what He has planned for you. Work diligently, purposefully and stay focused on uncluttering your life.
We pray that 2014 will be the best year of your life, no matter where God leads you. We pray you will hear His Spirit in the quiet moments as well as during the chaotic ones and follow Him. Happy New Year!!!