For the last few years, I've asked the Lord to give me a focus at the beginning of the new year. In 2011, He gave me Joshua 1:9 "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Little did I know of the changes that would happen at the beginning of January 2011. First came a change in my job, which significantly reduced our income, and a change in our church membership. We were evacuated for five days from our home when a wildfire threatened our area. Then illness and surgeries came along for both my husband and myself. None of those things were very pleasant, but Joshua 1:9 was always in front me. By the end of that year I was ready for a break from the string of trials that had tracked through our lives. But God had supplied all of our financial needs--He still is. He had gotten us through the surgeries without complications. Our home was untouched by fire. He had given us a new church family where we could serve. The LORD our God had been with us in every situation. He'd gotten us through the trials.
In 2013, John 3:30 was the verse God gave me. "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." This is John the Baptist talking to his followers who were complaining that Jesus and his disciples were getting more attention than they were. John the Baptist wasn't jealous of Jesus' popularity. It didn't shatter his ego that more people sought out Jesus. John knew the identity of the man who stirred up the religious leaders, condemning their hypocrisy. His faith was grown up, recognizing his part in paving the way for the Messiah. Emmanuel--God With Us.
Our culture puts such a high value on getting ahead, getting famous, and in general making sure we take care of #1. John the Baptist's simple statement has such a counter-cultural message. It isn't about me. It's about Jesus--plain and simple. The things I want that go against what He desires for me only bring unrest. I'm never satisfied. Discontentment is so destructive. My constant prayer this year has been that my will be overcome by His. That my will dissolve into His alone. That I desire only what He desires for me. There is no conflict in that way of life. There is peace, not only with God, but with circumstances, and people.
Is Jesus becoming greater and greater in your life or are you still #1? I am learning this year the value of becoming less and resting in the greatness of the One who laid down His life for me.
That old hymn comes to mind... "Jesus I am resting, resting. In the joy of what thou art. I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart." As with many old hymns the words are absolutely true.
Little did I know of the changes that would happen at the beginning of January 2011. First came a change in my job, which significantly reduced our income, and a change in our church membership. We were evacuated for five days from our home when a wildfire threatened our area. Then illness and surgeries came along for both my husband and myself. None of those things were very pleasant, but Joshua 1:9 was always in front me. By the end of that year I was ready for a break from the string of trials that had tracked through our lives. But God had supplied all of our financial needs--He still is. He had gotten us through the surgeries without complications. Our home was untouched by fire. He had given us a new church family where we could serve. The LORD our God had been with us in every situation. He'd gotten us through the trials. In 2013, John 3:30 was the verse God gave me. "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." This is John the Baptist talking to his followers who were complaining that Jesus and his disciples were getting more attention than they were. John the Baptist wasn't jealous of Jesus' popularity. It didn't shatter his ego that more people sought out Jesus. John knew the identity of the man who stirred up the religious leaders, condemning their hypocrisy. His faith was grown up, recognizing his part in paving the way for the Messiah. Emmanuel--God With Us.
Our culture puts such a high value on getting ahead, getting famous, and in general making sure we take care of #1. John the Baptist's simple statement has such a counter-cultural message. It isn't about me. It's about Jesus--plain and simple. The things I want that go against what He desires for me only bring unrest. I'm never satisfied. Discontentment is so destructive. My constant prayer this year has been that my will be overcome by His. That my will dissolve into His alone. That I desire only what He desires for me. There is no conflict in that way of life. There is peace, not only with God, but with circumstances, and people.
Is Jesus becoming greater and greater in your life or are you still #1? I am learning this year the value of becoming less and resting in the greatness of the One who laid down His life for me.
That old hymn comes to mind... "Jesus I am resting, resting. In the joy of what thou art. I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart." As with many old hymns the words are absolutely true.
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