Friday, December 31, 2010

Reflections on 2010



James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (NIV)

Too often we all look back on the final day of any given year and see all that has transpired in our lives. This, for the world in general, has been a year of challenges. The "change" that was to occur didn't pan out quite as well and despite being in a recession, so many companies still raised prices while people at home lost everything, from homes, families, and jobs.

Yet we sit today on the threshold of another year of possibilities. A clean slate if you will, to make some changes in where you find yourself today. I know for me, I spend a lot of time dreaming of what I want to see happen in my life and where I'd like to see change. I don't want to look back a year from now and see nothing has really changed. My newest quote is "If nothing changes, NOTHING changes."

In 2010, change happened all around me. Once more my storms came raging and yet despite it all I held fast to my faith that never fails. My friends may offer their words of encouragement, but nothing compares to faith in God. It's the one thing that never changes, can always be trusted, and always perseveres to the end.

I began the year with an unknown diagnosis of a debilitating pain I had since November in 2009. After seeing doctor after doctor, I prayed for an answer, someone who would see me with fresh eyes. I found such a person and in the end of March of 2010, I was scheduled for surgery for multiple cysts on my ovaries and some exploratory surgery while they were there. I awoke with a partial hysterectomy. It was the worst surgery my Ob-Gyn had ever done, but I was pain free.

In my trials, I was convinced that this was going to be my new life, much like Paul had to endure his unknown thorn. Once I was settled in my heart to accept this, things changed. God answered the call. My faith passed through the fire and I was not burned.

Steve found work in July of this year and even though that has posed its own challenges, we still see the fruit of God's provision in our lives. While so many lost everything, God held fast to our daily bread. Our kids remained healthy, we didn't lose anything that wasn't worth losing, and during it all, I saw that the things we worry most about, never happen. We give so much power to the enemy when we can't fix our own problems.

If we merely step out of the way, God can do His work, in us and through us, and in it all, bring about glory to His name.

So, my dearest readers, if you find yourself, adrift and lost in violent storm or if you feel like you are literally in the fiery furnace with flames all around you in your life, rest assured in your faith in Jesus Christ, that God has His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. You will come through this, not smelling of fire, or drenched to the skin, battered and bruised but stronger and more confident than ever before. If you still remain undecided on whether God is right for you, I ask that you give it 30 days. Pick up a Bible and begin reading in the book of John and ask God to reveal Himself to you. His word, NEVER FAILS or comes back empty.

I wish you all a blessed and abundant New Year in 2011 and would ask that you would leave a comment and share what you have learned this year in closing out 2010 on a positive note.

10 comments:

Darcie said...

As always...you leave us with one last thought provoking post for 2010.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

sunny smiles said...

I learned somethings about myself..What triggers stress and how I give up easily in some areas. In February my husband will have not worked for a year.So it to has been a year of challenges and scaling back on what we spend..All in all a time of blessing and growth too. Happy New Year!

God a Have Faith said...

What a great post! I am praying and making sure that we change for the better this year. To put our plans in motion to be out of California by the end of this year. I love you and hope that we can continue to grow in God, and our relationship together and with our children. Here's to making changes this next year in 2011!boscube

LV said...

You have had your trials, but still survived. With your faith and trust, you will do even better in the 2011. You are a special lady in my book. I wish you and family nothing but the best in the year ahead. May the good Lord watch over and keep you.

RCUBEs said...

Amen! I love the way He leads me in bringing me to those whose posts speak straight to my heart. Happy New Year sister and God bless you always.

Beth Herring said...

Couldn't have said it better myself Kat.

happy New Year!

NanaNor's said...

Hi my dear friend, Just wanted to wish you a blessed New Year filled with the richest of the Kings blessings. It has been a joy to visit you; I'm looking forward to the New Year.
Hugs, Noreen

Debby@Just Breathe said...

So beautiful. I know I prayed for you and your family a lot this year. So happy how things have changed in your life, God is so good. Happy New Year!

Rita said...

Ah, isn't He wonderful? He pulls us through all kinds of things even when we think that there is no answer. May your new year be blessed with many good things in your life and your troubles be very few this coming year!

Mich said...

Happy New Year, friend! May the next year be beautiful, rich with blessings.