Do you ever find yourself complaining about what you don’t have?
Or worrying about what tomorrow will bring?
I was listening to a message the other day, encouraging us to look back at the faithfulness of God, and be encouraged that He will be faithful for the future. And it’s so true. He has been, and He will be.
It encouraged me as I approach another birthday.
I was inspired recently by a friend, counting her blessings and testifying to God’s goodness in her life, in spite of the struggles. And I realised I have so much to be thankful for. He is so, so good, and He always has been.
I am so blessed. I came to know Jesus as my Saviour when I was very small, probably only around four years old. I still remember, sometime when I was small, lying in my bed singing a song I’d learned at church, and how sudenly I was aware of a Love I’d never dreamed of, and the Presence of the One Who has been so, so faithful since then.
He was there for me all through childhood years. He was my Best Friend. I remember a school friend asking me who my best friend was. I told her it was God. She was shocked, but it was true. It still is.
No, it hasn’t all worked out the way I thought it would. No, it hasn’t all been easy. But He has been faithful. He always makes a way. Abundantly. His ways are always better than I think, and kinder, and more wonderful.
I feel so rich. I get to serve Him in GFA World, in a ministry that is touching lives in Asia in a way only eternity will reveal.
I have a wonderful family who love me. Many dear friends who love and pray and encourage. Multiple church families in different places. I get to write and record songs- things I’d dreamed of since I was small.
He’s taught me to find joy in little things, and it’s made me life so happy.
He’s led me through so much, and set me free from so much. He’s given me peace and joy in ways I’d never have believed could be possible.
Most of all, He’s given me such deep, deep joy in Himself.
He gives me Himself. And oh, how wonderful, how satisfying, how tender, how faithful, how incredible He is!
There is nothing like knowing Jesus.
I generally get reflective around my birthday. This year, I’ve found myself discouraged by how far I have to go: how much I fall short. There’s so much I want to do for Him, and so many ways I fail. But I sought Him about it and He reminded me: it’s Him Who loved me first. It’s all about Him and His grace. I was saved by grace, and salvation is only ever by grace. And I am so very, very loved.
The more I know His love for me and bask in it, the more I am fruitful for Him, not because I achieve anything in my strength, but because somehow His love flows through me.
He has spoken to me a few times through Psalm 127:1-2.
Yes, we work. But I’ve learned that, unless His hand is on it in blessing, it’s ultimately futile. And, if His hand is on it, I can just lean on Him, do what I can, pray for His blessing, and sleep in peace. 🙂
And, as I go forward into the future, I can be confident in His goodness.
He is there, holding out His hand to lead me through the future, as He has all along.
And that gives me hope and encouragement for the future.
I kind of accidentally took a selfie in bright light the other day: myself in sunshine. Afterwards, I found it and it seemed that the Lord was encouraging me. For those who follow Him, light shines on the path. His presence is with us. It’s as though there is light shining on His children. 🙂
‘But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.’ Proverbs 4:18
I belong to Christ (and so can you, if you come to Him as Saviour and follow Him as Lord!). Because of Him, there is so much hope for the future, on and on into eternity.
And His help is available for here and now, and every day ahead. 🙂
So I can take courage and go forward. 🙂
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Caroline Abblitt 