The New Year

Wow! 2008 was an incredible year. For many of us, there were the best of times and the worst of times. Each year, I spend time praying for direction from God for the new year. Sometimes, I am to continue moving forward in the same directions. And other times I have been lead to move in a different way.

This year, I clearly believe that God is continuing to call me to complete surrender. Each time I think I have completely surrendered to him, I find that there is "something" that I have continued to hold on to. He is so patient with me. He just walks beside, showing his will for me step by step. And you know what? Every time I surrender something else to him, I become more content, more joyful and less stressed!

Some times I say, "Why didn't I give this up earlier? It would have caused me a lot less misery." The truth is, that I didn't give it up sooner, because I wasn't ready to give it up. I wanted my own way. I trusted that "I" knew what was best for me and "I" knew what God wanted from me. All a long, I should have been trusting him, instead.

I could kick myself for being stubborn or self-centered, but the lessons I learned in the process are priceless. Intellectually, I could tell you what trusting God was all about, but until a person's faith is put to the test, it does not develop into that "unshakable" faith God wants us to have in him. Now my faith has grown and I'm able to obey God and trust him in the larger things.

Now, I'm looking forward to exercising my new level of faith in 2009 as I follow God's direction. Hopefully, I'll be able to step out of the boat (of what I deem safe) and on to the water where miracles happen. God Bless you all! Happy New Year!