The image of life as a journey is very much accepted by people today. It is a common phrase used to describe the different experiences of life, and what we learn from them. But we can be in such a rush to ‘pack’ everything into our day, week, or month, so as not to miss anything, that we miss what matters the most.
Reflect
So sometimes it is good to pause and to reflect. Self-reflection allows us to consider where we are, and where we are going. In faith we open our minds and hearts to hear God’s whisper – to hear His love! Even if He says, “What are you doing here?” there is no condemnation. God will ask the question to prompt us to consider the answer. Often, we need a pause, and we need a prompt – is it time for a change in direction, or a time to move forward?
We are coming to the end of the year, and what do we conclude? As we pause to reflect and look back on this past year, on our feelings and even our frustrations, what have we learnt from this unprecedented time? We all are at a different stage of our journey, and we will all have different answers to that question.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
Soren Kierkegaard
Awareness
Maybe we should consider in two parts, what we have learnt about ourselves, and what we have learnt about God.
There are two things, mainly, that I am reflecting on, I have learnt that it is okay not to be okay. I don’t like to admit when I’m struggling, I like to think that ‘I’m fine’, that I am coping. But we have a Lord who knows how we feel, who understands and has compassion for our frailty. And more than that He is waiting to step in and to provide the strength that we need. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
For God’s power to operate we need to admit our weakness, and then we can receive His strength.
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The challenge is not to wait until things are broken and shattered into pieces but as soon as the cracks start to appear, to turn and depend on the Lord. He is waiting for us to ask for His help – “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
And I have also learnt to practise gratitude, to see the goodness of God in the details of my life, and to praise Him. God has surprised me this year! I know He is faithful, and I know His love and grace. I have experienced a sense of His presence and His hand of blessing, in totally new ways.
Conclude
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
To conclude, as we look back, we can look ahead, with no fear for the future, and a sense of expectancy to grow in knowledge and love for the Lord. And, maybe to take forward, that what truly matters most on our journey, is those who travel with us!
I am working on paying more attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
I can join with you and say amen to that one Amy. Thanks for responding!
I love reading that Joe encouraged so many. He left thoughtful comments on my blog also. Reading others thoughts of Joe remind me the importance of encouraging each other. Thank you for sharing your inspiring words. 2 Corinthians 12:9 is one of my favorite verses.
Thank you for the encouragement!
Concluding with HOPE!
Amen!
I’m finding it hard to draw any conclusions about 2020, but it is good to take time to reflect on what we have learned, and I love your reminder that we can know that God is with us working things together for good whatever the future may hold.
A confidence in His faithfulness to move forward – hoping for a peace filled Christmas for you Lesley!
You really made me think…
It seems sometimes each new beginning’s
some once-bright hope’s dim fading end,
dichotomy of life thus bringing
wounds not even time can mend,
hearts lacerated by the loss
of what we had to leave behind
through circumstance, or merely sloth,
or sometimes fickle change of mind.
These sad ghosts stand behind us,
unbowed, but victim to the years
that changed their ‘plus’ to ‘minus’,
so can at least we offer tears
for the dreams we once thought grand,
now sacrificed to other plans?
We can be honest with God – and you always are Andrew. We mourn our loss and carry our scars but if we allow God to comfort and heal, they then no longer have the power to hurt or to keep us locked in regret. ….
What to hold on to and what to release? That is the question on which I pause lately. But today I’m adding what to pursue? Change is good. Learning new things is good. And pausing to ponder is good too. Thanks for making me think more deeply about this time of transition.
Wise words. I really love the quote from Soren Kierkegaard.
Just lovely. Such a nice tribute to Joe. Very encouraging. Blessings.
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Thank you for this encouraging word. I struggle so much with stopping before I am broken to ask for his strength to be made perfect. Learning that Be still in Hebrew means to become weak and to know God is to know his power in my circumstance. Please pray I will hear, obey and be healed.
Praying for you ????
Thank you for your encouraging words. This post is very timely and a reminder that what God has ahead for my family is far better than what we are leaving behind. The Lord has asked my family to take a step of faith to stop going to our church and He said He has a plan for us. Just like Abraham trusted the Lord, we are trusting God to guide us. Every end is indeed a new beginning. This is a message of hope. Thank you Sharon.
Wishing you a Merey Christmas and every blessings from God.
Love
Mysses Lafunky
Praying for that clear guidance for your next step – and a peaceful and blessed Christmas for you and your family 🙂